Duodecim Apostoli

Apostle · Son of Thunder

Given name

James (son of Zebedee)

Feast day

July 25

Symbols

Pilgrim’s staff · scallop shell · sword

Death

Beheaded by order of Herod Agrippa in Jerusalem, c. AD 44

Son of Zebedee and brother of John, James was among the inner circle who witnessed the Transfiguration and Agony in the Garden. With John he was surnamed Boanerges, “Son of Thunder.” He was the first apostle martyred. His relics rest at Santiago de Compostela, one of Christendom’s greatest pilgrimage destinations.

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword. (Acts 12:1–2)