1. Birth: James is believed to have been born in Bethlehem around 6 BC, soon after the birth of his brother, Jesus.
2. Early Life: He worked as a carpenter, just as his step-father Joseph did.
3. Calling as an Apostle: After the resurrection of Jesus, James was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.
4. Leadership in the Jerusalem Church: James played a leading role in the early Christian church in Jerusalem. He presided over the Council of Jerusalem, where the relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians was discussed.
5. Martyrdom: James was martyred around 62 AD in Jerusalem. According to historian Josephus, he was thrown from the top of the temple and then stoned to death.
6. Brother of Jesus: James is known for his close relationship with Jesus. In the New Testament, he is often referred to as "James, the brother of the Lord."
7. Author of the Epistle of James: James is traditionally believed to be the author of the Epistle of James, a book in the New Testament that emphasizes practical faith and moral conduct.
8. Symbol of Unity: James is considered a symbol of unity within the early church, as he was respected by both Jewish and Gentile Christians. His martyrdom also demonstrated the willingness of early Christians to face persecution for their faith.
9. Veneration as a Saint: In many Christian traditions, James is venerated as a saint. He is particularly honored in the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches, where he is known as Saint James the Great or Saint James the Just.
These major events in James' life highlight his crucial role in the early Christian movement, his leadership, his writings, and his enduring significance as an apostle and follower of Jesus Christ.