James the Just: A Leader Emerges

This chapter explores the pivotal role of James, the brother of Jesus, as a leader of early Christians in Jerusalem after Jesus's departure. It highlights James's ascetic lifestyle, his significance in the context of Jewish kinship, and the familial dynamics that shaped the early movement, often examining overlooked historical sources. The discussion also reflects on the cultural implications of asceticism during the Late Second Temple Period and the influential position of younger siblings in biblical narratives.