James the Less

James the Less was one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus, one of two Apostles named James, and the author of the first Catholic Epistle. His father was Alphaeus of Cleophas, and his mother Mary was a close relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. For this reason James was sometimes called the brother of the Lord. James the Less was a witness of the Resurrection of Christ, and Paul would consult him about the Gospel.

James the Less was the first Bishop of Jerusalem, and was probably martyred around the year 62. Non-Christian Jews respected James the Less and called him "James the Just."

James the Less wrote his epistle around year 49 A.D., or perhaps a decade later. Interestingly, it states that faith alone is not sufficient :

"2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."

"2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"

"2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."

"2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."