James the Greater

Biography

James the Greater was one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles, the brother of John and son of Zebedee, a fisherman by trade. He was among the first disciples called by Jesus and witnessed pivotal events including the Transfiguration and Jesus's agony in Gethsemane. Following the Resurrection, James became a prominent figure in the Jerusalem church. According to tradition, he undertook missionary journeys to Spain, preaching the Gospel and establishing Christian communities. King Herod Agrippa I had him executed by sword around 44 AD, making him the first apostle to suffer martyrdom. Spanish tradition holds that after his execution, his disciples transported his relics to Spain, eventually enshrining them in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, which became Christianity's most important pilgrimage destination. The Way of Saint James pilgrimage route evolved from this veneration, attracting millions over centuries. James symbolizes Christian witness unto death and remains Spain's patron saint. His life demonstrates apostolic dedication and the global spread of Christianity, making him a pivotal figure in both biblical history and ecclesiastical tradition.