Holy Apostle James Zebedee, brother of John the Theologian

James, son of Zebedee and brother of John, was a Galilean fisherman who left his boat and nets to follow Jesus and was one of the Twelve. The Gospels name him with Peter and John among the closest disciples, and he and John were called the sons of thunder. Church tradition says he preached widely, including, according to later legend, in Spain.

Back in Jerusalem he debated openly. Rostov's account tells of the magician Hermogenes, who sent his pupil Philetus to dispute with him and was in the end overcome. According to the Book of Acts, King Herod Agrippa I had James killed with the sword about AD 44; he is the first of the Twelve whose death is recorded. His relics are traditionally venerated at Santiago de Compostela in Spain.