All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Acts 1:14
A remarkable change took place in James and the other brothers after the resurrection. How did that change come about?
James was a witness to the resurrection. We are told that Jesus appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve, then to more than 500 brothers at one time. Then He appeared to James (1 Cor. 15:7).
It seems that by virtue of being a direct witness to the resurrection, James was regarded as an apostle. Paul gives us an indication of this when he tells us about his trip to Jerusalem, “I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother” (Gal. 1:19).
James, who had taunted Jesus, became the recognized leader of the church in Jerusalem. He became a leading figure in the early church, and he was moved by the Spirit of God to write the letter that bears his name in the New Testament.
It is very striking that when he writes under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, James introduces himself as, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Jas. 1:1).
He does not introduce himself by saying, “I’m his brother, I grew up with Him,” or “I’m the leader of the church in Jerusalem,” but “I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Such a change could only be brought about by the miraculous working of God.
Have you given up praying for a stubborn family member to believe in Jesus? Don’t give up! Perhaps he or she may be saved yet.
