James the son of Zebedee and John his brother
Their position among the Twelve talmidim (apostles):
Ya'akov (James) and Yochanan (John the Priest), along with Kefa (Peter), constituted the Master‘s inner
three—being permitted to see and hear things that others did not. Perhaps these three men were destined to
be leaders of the early church that Y‘shua showed them:-
His greatness in raising the dead (Mark 5:37).
His glory on the Mount of transfiguration (Mark 9:2).
His grief in the garden of GatSh'manim (Gethsemane) (Mark 14:32).
Quick review of the names of the twelve talmidim (apostles):
Shimon Kefa - Simon Peter
Andrew
Yaakov Ben Zavdai - James son of Zebedee
Yochanan - John his brother
Philip
Bartalmai – Bartholomew
T‘oma – Thomas
Mattityahu - Matthew the tax collector
Yaakov bar Halfai - James son of Alphaseus
Taddai – Thaddaeus
Shimon Zealot - Simon the Cananite
Yhudah K'riot - Judas Iscariot
It is interesting to note that there is very little information for so prominent an apostle. Yaakov‘s name, when
mentioned, was nearly always mentioned before Yochanan (John). This probably indicates his seniority; and
John MacArthur suggested that Yaakov may have been the leader of this rather dynamic pair.
Their family:
Yaakov was called Ben Zavdai (son of Zebedee) and the brother of Yochanan. His father, Zavdai, was a
fisherman who owned several boats on the Sea of Galilee and had hired servants in his business (Mark
1:19-20). Some infer additional evidence of their wealth from the fact that Yochanan was ―known to the high
priest‖ (John 18:15). Perhaps the family owned property in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) and or had business
connections there. The family also had business associations with Shimon Kefa (Simon Peter) (Luke 5:9-10).
His mother, Shalome, may have been a sister of the mother of Y‘shua (Matt 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25).
The call:
Yaakov seems not to have been with Kefa (Peter, Rock) and Andrew in their pilgrimage to Judea, where they
heard of the ―Lamb of God‖ and received their first call to discipleship (John 1:35-51). Perhaps Yochanan
was the other disciple of Yochanan the Immerser who was with Andrew (v 40). If so, Yaakov probably stayed
home to tend the business; and upon their return to Galil (Galilee), the recounting of the events of Judea
may have left a deep impression upon Yaakov. At any rate, he was well-prepared for the call later at the Sea
of Galil (Luke 5:2-11).
Notice how the brothers, in obedience, left everything and followed Messiah Y‘shua (Matt 4:22). Rather than
catching fish, the Y‘shua wanted the sons of Zavdai to become fishers of men.
Yaakov‘s personality:
His title.
Adonai Y‘shua called Yaakov and John ―Boanerges‖, which means ―sons of thunder‖ (Mark 3:17). The title
described their zeal, passion, ambition and aggressiveness.
His vengeful zeal (Luke 9:51-56):
Not long after the Transfiguration, and towards the close of His Galilean ministry, Y‘shua was leading His
disciples through Shomrom (Samaria) towards Yerushalayim. Messiah Y‘shua sent Yaakov and Yochanan to
find group lodging for the night. When they were not welcome, Yaakov and Yochanan used the precedence
of Elijah (2 Kings 1:10); asking permission from the Master to send fire down from Heaven to destroy the
Shomronim (Samaritans). Here, we see Yaakov‘s impure zeal was mixed with fumes of pride and anger.
More noteworthy is the Master‘s response (v 56). Y‘shua reinforced His teaching with His example. He
moved on to more receptive soil.
Yaakov‘s perception on this issue changed as he was being trained and molded by the Master. Y‘shua
commanded His Talmidim (disciples) to witness unto all men (Acts 1:8), including areas in Shomrom.
Scholars believed that Yaakov likely made trips into the same region and preached the Word.
His excessive ambition (Matt 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45):