James, the son of Alphaeus: an example of how working in the background is still working for the Kingdom of God

James, the son of Alphaeus, is a quiet disciple. There is not much said about him in the gospels. There is no record of his occupation or any characteristics. The major event of his life is becoming a disciple of Jesus and there is no record of Jesus saying anything specific about him. Does that mean he is not worthy of study? By no means. He is an example that God calls us all for a purpose. Some have great and public purposes like Peter. While others are called to have great and private purposes like James. Who was James in the gospels? What example does James give us? What does it mean to be called to service God?

The only time James is mentioned by name is the lists of the disciples (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13). However, there is some information we can gather about him. While his hometown is unknown, he was likely from Galilee and most likely spoke Aramaic as well as Greek and biblical Hebrew (Tate, 2021). He was probably in his late teens but no older than early 20s (Tate, 2021). While he is not mentioned outside of the list of disciples, he was present during Jesus’s teachings. He saw his miracles and was sent out to preach, baptize and perform miracles (Matthew 10, Mark 6:7:13), Luke 9:1-6). He fled at Jesus’s arrest. He saw the resurrected Christ and was given the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:15-18). James was there to witness Jesus’s ascension into heaven (Mark 16:19:20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:9). And James is there as the disciples begin their mission in Acts. 

James is our example of someone who worked for the kingdom of God without the limelight. He was so quiet and observant that he is not written about in the Scriptures and becomes obscure in the early church. However, James is proof that we do not have to be Peters or Matthews or Johns and go down in history as the greatest for God. We are all given different gifts from the same Spirit, different acts of service but the same Lord (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). There is one body, many parts with each part having an important function for the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). No member is superior over another and there is a unity in the diverse functions (verse 25). As someone who is more introverted, being a public speaker is terrifying. I feel God has called me to use my talents in a private setting and use my research and writing skills for his kingdom. My desire to study the Bible and write about the lessons and insights I have learned and write about them on this blog can be used to bring God’s Word to individuals across the country and maybe even the world. 

Many people think being called is to work in a church ministry. However, our ministry does not need to be a church. Our calling is to use our gifts and talents for the kingdom out in the real world. For example, if you are a cashier at a local retail store, you can still be a steward for the kingdom of God. 1 Peter 4:10 says to “use whatever gift he has received to service others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” We can also look for opportunities, big and small, to use our gifts to make a difference. For example, if you are a good baker, you can bake a welcome gift to a new neighbor. Or if someone is sick or injured, offer your services to help. The important thing to remember is to put faithfulness first. “Faithfully give what you have to God, and let him take care of the rest” (Barnett, 2021). Remember we are working for God so that God may be glorified (1 Peter 4:11). Colossians 3:23 tells us that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” 

In conclusion, the silence of James, the son of Alphaeus, is an example to us that we can work in the background and still do good work for the kingdom of God. We are called according to God’s purpose and given gifts to use in the kingdom. We can serve God and the kingdom in every moment of every ordinary day. Look for opportunities to serve as Jesus served. You never know how an act of kindness or service can open the door to share the gospel. Whether it is serving in the limelight or quietly in the background, our impact for the kingdom of God can be greater than we will ever know or imagine. 

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References

Barnett, Tim (July 29, 2021). Looking for Your Role in God’s Kingdom? Start Here. Stand to Reason. https://www.str.org/w/looking-for-your-role-in-god-s-kingdom-start-here. Retrieved September 10, 2025

Tate, David (November 7, 2021). The Life of James, son of Alpheus. Now Let’s Be Honest. YouTube video. https://youtu.be/JMUHwd_y0G4?si=wB67mSYaUgKaFC8V. Retrieved September 2, 2025.

Thomas: when doubt can fuel faith and belief

Thomas is known as the Doubter. Yes, he was a doubter; however, his doubt had a purpose. Many Christians are taught that we should not doubt. That doubt is a lack of faith. However, after studying Thomas and doubters throughout the Bible that is not the case! Thomas wanted to know the truth, so he asked questions and when his questions were answered, he believed! He expressed his doubts fully and had them answered completely. Doubting was his way of responding to new information; but it was not his way of life. Glimpses of Thomas are brief throughout the gospels; however, his character comes through with consistency. He was a man of faith who sought answers to his nagging questions. Thomas is not the first doubter in the Bible. Who was Thomas? Who were other doubters in the Bible? How does God respond to doubters? What lessons can we take from doubt? 

Thomas was an honest and loyal man. He was intense in belief and in doubt. Thomas didn’t idolize his doubt, he gladly believed when he was given reasons to do so. While his occupation is unknown, he was known for courage as well as his doubt. Courage? Yes, courage. In John 11:6, Jesus hears about Lazarus’s illness and to go back to Bethany after Jews tried to stone him (John 10:31) was dangerous for them. While the other disciples tried to talk Jesus out of going back to see Lazarus, Thomas replied, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16). He didn’t hesitate to follow Jesus. However, he struggled to believe despite what he felt. Did he doubt because he so wanted to believe but felt it was impossible? The gospels do not tell us why Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples after the resurrection; however, he was reluctant to believe their witness accounts. A week passed before Jesus appeared to Thomas, but he encouraged him to touch his wounds and believe (John 20:26-27). Jesus used Thomas’s doubt to show us that God does not reject honest doubt. 

The Bible is filled with doubters from Abraham and Sarah to Moses to the prophet Habakkuk and even John the Baptist. I would like to discuss three specific doubters. First, Gideon went from fearful farmer to mighty warrior. He was hiding from the Midianities as he was filled with fear about his own abilities and God’s presence. He would make excuse after excuse (Judges 11:15) and asked God to prove himself with sign after sign (Judges 11:17) and God gave him his sign (Judges 11:20-22) and other miracles (Judges 6:36-40). Second, Elijah went from faithful prophet to bold witness. Elijah is remembered as a great prophet; however, he still experienced moments of deep doubt and despair. In 1 Kings 19:3-4, Elijah flees for his life and begs God to end his life. God instead gave him rest and strength. He sent food and water and after a period of rest and with a renewed sense of purpose, Elijah became the prophet we all know (1 Kings 19:5-18). Lastly, the father of the demon possessed boy in Mark 9:14-29 asks Jesus “if he can” help his son. When Jesus questions the man’s if statement, the father proclaims “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” His faith was imperfect but he was trying and for that Jesus honored his prayer and healed his son (Childers, 2018). 

There are four lessons we can take from doubt. First, doubt is a common human experience. Tim Keller wrote that faith without doubt is like the human body without antibodies (Keller, 2008). Just as antibodies help the body’s immune system, doubt can help fuel faith. We can have doubts without living a life of doubt. Doubt can be used to pose questions, to get an answer and come to a decision. Doubt; however, becomes a problem when it is out of stubbornness and that stubbornness becomes a lifestyle that can harm faith and belief. Second, God can work through doubt with patience and understanding. God deals with honest doubters and will meet us right where we are at (Childers, 2018). When we have doubts, we can bring our questions to God. Third, doubt can lead to deeper faith. Lastly, seeking answers and evidence is not wrong. We can ask for evidence to back up our faith. Thomas’s doubt was rational and intellectual and Jesus answered his intellectual doubt with evidence (Childers, 2018). John the Baptist experienced the most painful type of doubt. A doubt when you stand to lose everything if your suspicion is correct. He needed reconfirmation and Jesus provided it (Matthew 11:1-6, Luke 7:18-23). 

In conclusion, Thomas deserves to be respected for his faith and not ignored for his doubt. Doubt is not a character flaw. It is a natural experience to have questions and uncertainty. We can take encouragement from Thomas, We can take our doubts and allow Jesus to lead us to belief. Gideon would eventually embrace his calling and his journey from doubt to faith demonstrates the patience God has for us as he guides and strengthens our faith.Elijah’s transformation serves as a reminder that God meets us in our weakest moments, offering comfort and encouragement to continue our journey of faith. Faith is an attitude of trust and confidence (Hebrews 11:1) and we do not obtain faith without help as it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus. It is better to doubt out loud than to disbelieve in silence. 

References

Childers, Alisa (February 2, 2018). 4 Lessons We Can Learn From Doubters in the Bible. Blog. https://www.alisachildersblog.com/blog/4-lessons-we-can-learn-from-doubters-in-the-bible. Retrieved August 10, 2025. 

Keller, Timothy (2008-02-14). The Reason for God . Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition, location 192. Retrieved August 10, 2025. 

Philip: an early disciple who become one of the first evangelist and missionary

Philip was an early disciple of Jesus, a simple fisherman from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and told others (John 1:43-46). Not as well known or discussed as the brothers I have featured already; however, Philip shines in the early church as one of the seven organizers of food distribution, becoming one of the first traveling missionaries and evangelists and one of the first to obey Jesus’ command to take the gospel to all people. What makes Philip so special to study? How is Philip’s evangelism and missionary work important to remember? What lessons can we derive from his life? 

One of Philip’s main characteristics is his questioning attitude. He asked Jesus to show his followers God the Father (John 14:8). Jesus says to see him is to see the Father (John 14:9-14). Jesus is the visible, tangible image of the invisible God. He is the complete revelation of what God is like and the search for God, for truth and reality, ends in Christ. Colossians 1:15 says “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” Jesus’s response to him is very telling. The key lesson here is that God welcomes our questions and uses them to teach us. He may not always answer them, especially to our satisfaction; but God welcomes any sincere question from an earnest heart and a humble spirit. “Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). However, insincere questions, or questions from a hypocritical heart, are not welcome. For example, the Pharisees questioning Jesus, trying to trap him, and Jesus refusing to answer them (John 7:53–8:11; Matthew 21:23–27; 22:15–22). 

Philip is considered one of the first missionaries and evangelists. The Book of Acts features two main events to his efforts. In Acts 8:5-8, 14-17, Philip goes to a city in Samaria and proclaims the gospel there. The crowds saw his miraculous signs and they paid close attention to what he said. With evil spirits expelled and many healings, there was a great joy spread through the city as they believed. Later, Peter and John would arrive and pray over them for the Holy Spirit to come upon the new believers. In Acts 8:26-38, an angel of the Lord comes to Philip, telling him to head south on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. While on the road, Philip comes across an Ethiopian eunuch, who was an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candance, queen of the Ethopians. This man had come to Jerusalem to work, reading from the book of Isaiah on the way home. Philip explains the passage to him and gives him the good news of Jesus. The man believed and was baptized. Philip would later travel throughout the region until he reached Caesarea where he would stay and later welcome Paul into his home (Acts 21:8-10). 

Philip’s life presents two lessons. First, the gospel is for all. to non-believers, he is a reminder that the gospel is for you as well. Jesus Christ is available to all and meant for everyone without exception. Romans 1:16 tells us that “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” To believers, he is a reminder that we are not free to disqualify anyone from hearing about Jesus. Jesus gives the disciples the Great Commission in Mark 16:15-16 to “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” and “that whoever believes will be saved.” We need to remember that while we, as humans, are swayed by physical appearance, God sees the heart of the person and we need to actively remember that God sees what we do not. Second, mass responses, as with the Samaritans, and the individual, as with the Ethiopian man, to the gospel, are valuable. Whenever someone accepts Jesus Christ, whether it is en masse or a lonely person, heaven celebrates. In Luke 15:7, Jesus says there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents.” 

In conclusion, Philip was a small feature in the gospels; however, he takes a greater role in the early church. He was a part of a group that made sure that all widows got the resources they needed, regardless if they were Jews or non-Jews. He is considered one of the early evangelists and missionaries as he took the Great Commission and did his part. He spoke to crowds as well as an individual. The good news is available to all and we, as believers, need to talk about the good news to all. And it is good to remember that even when a single person comes to belief, heaven rejoices. 

James, the son of Zedebee: a man who struggled and yet showed courage in service to Christ

James is one of the first disciples called by Jesus along with his brother, John, and friends, Simon Peter and Andrew. A fisherman working with his brother and their father, Zedebee, James would become a member of the core group with Peter and John for special training as each would play a key role in the early church. Peter would be the great speaker, John the majority writer and James would be the first to die for his faith. While he was chosen to be among the inner circle, little is known about James after the events in the Book of Acts. Who was James, the son of Zedebee? What were his strengths and weaknesses? What is the key lesson we can take from his story?

James is described as ambitious, short-tempered, judgmental and yet deeply committed to Jesus. Ambitious as he, along with John, asked Jesus for a place of honor in his kingdom, specifically a seat on his right and left (Mark 10:37). Jesus rebukes them, telling them both that they do not truly understand what they are asking. As with all the disciples, James did not understand Jesus’s true purpose. They envisioned Jesus overthrowing the Romans and restoring Israel’s to her former glory. Regardless, James knew he wanted to be by Jesus’s side. He had found the right leader; he was just wrong about the timetable. It would take Jesus’s death and resurrection for true understanding. James would have an outburst of temper. In Luke 9:54, he and John asked Jesus if he wanted them to call down first from heaven to destroy a Samaritan village after they refused to welcome him (verses 52-53). He wanted quick retaliation. In Acts, he would speak at the First Council and agreed that Jesus had come for Gentiles as well as the Jews (Acts 15:13-21) as the requirements of faith that we follow are set by God and not by man. 

James would be the first to die for his faith. He was willing as he saw Jesus conquer death and open the doorway to eternal life. James was a man with strengths and weaknesses. His strengths are simple to understand. He was one of the 12 disciples and one of the inner three. He would be the first to die for his faith. However, it is in his weakness that we can see ourselves. His two outbursts indicated that James struggled with a temper and selfishness. When he left a wrong had been committed, he wanted quick payback. A feeling that many of us have experienced from time to time. Something happens which is unfair or undeserving and we want the person to feel the same pain and disappointment that we do. However, in Romans 12:19, Paul reminds us that revenge is the Lord’s, he will play, quoting Deutoronmy 32:35. We are not to overcome evil with evil, but with good (Romans 12:21). And like James, we experience moments of selfishness. It is a part of being human. As selfishness is the root of sin and conflict, we need to actively focus on humility and putting others before ourselves in order to overcome this natural response. Paul writes in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” 

Jesus promised eternal life to those willing to trust him (John 3:16). If we believe in this promise, Jesus will give us the courage to stand for Him and face whatever challenges that come our way, even during the most dangerous times. The key lesson from James’s story is that the loss of life is not too heavy a price to pay for following Jesus. In Matthew 10:17-42, Jesus prepared his disciples, and us, for persecution, in which he says, “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (verse 39).” Even Paul writes in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” To live meant to have time to tell others about Christ and to become more like him. To die would be the end of the worldly troubles and to see Christ face to face. As times get harder and the world increasingly puts pressure on believers, will I be able to stand when death would be the result? I don’t know. I can only pray that if (or when) that moment comes, I can say “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” 

In conclusion, James, the son of Zedebee, was a fisherman who left life as he knew it to follow Jesus. Even though he was one of the 12 and one of the inner three, he struggles with his ambitious nature, a temper and selfishness. Through his faith and trust in Jesus, he realized the true mission of Jesus’s life and death, he would spend the rest of his life telling others the good news. He would be the first to die for the faith and he certainly wasn’t the last. James is an example of the courage in service to Christ is important as we spread the gospel. That courage can also make us a target for persecution. We need to be bold for Christ with courage and humility. 

Andrew: a disciple eager to bring people to Jesus

Andrew is the brother of Simon Peter and very little is known about him. He was a fisherman with his brother. He was called by Jesus to follow him. Despite being an early follower of Jesus, Andrew is only mentioned by name twelve times and four of those are in the list of the disciples. In Catholicism, Andrew is the patron saint of fishermen, singers and the patron saint for the countries of Scotland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, and Patras. Tradition holds that Andrew died by crucifixion around 60 AD and he didn’t seem himself worthy to die as Jesus did. He was bound, not nailed, to a X and not a T. This is what the Saint Andrew’s Cross flag is an X. Who was Andrew? What is special about him? And what is the key lesson we can take from Andrew? 

Andrew was a special man. He seems to be the opposite of his brother. As Simon was rash and impulsive, Andrew might have been quiet and reflective. The gospels do not record much of Andrew’s words, mostly likely because he didn’t have much to say. He may have been more focused on listening and learning. He could be seen as the silent partner but still essential; in building the church and bringing people to Jesus. Andrew accepted John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus and told his brother and friends about it (John 1:35-42). He was one of the men that Jesus would say he would be a fisher of men. When the large crowd needed to be fed, Andrew brought forward the boy with the five small barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:8-9). Even when he questioned how such a small amount would feed the large crowd, he still brought it to Jesus’s attention. 

Andrew was eager to bring people to Jesus. When he heard John the Baptist call Jesus the Lamb of God, he immediately ran to tell his brother (John 1:35-42). Andrew was first a disciple of John the Baptist. He knew without question that Jesus was the Messiah. I can imagine a very excited Andrew rushing to tell Simon and even may have been a bit incoherent in his excitement. Think about it. Remember a time when you were so excited to tell someone good or exciting news that the words just flowed out and you had to be told to take a deep breath and slow down? That is how I imagine Andrew as he rushed to inform Simon about Jesus. He, along with Philip, informed Jesus that a few Greeks wanted to speak with him (John 12:20-22). In verse 22, Andrew and Philip told Jesus about the Greeks request to see Jesus. They didn’t question if they deserved to even ask, as some of the other disciples may have, because they were Greeks. I think at this point, Andrew had seen Jesus preach to, heal and forgive so many people, Jews and Gentiles alike, that he knew Jesus was here for all who seek him.

 That is the key lesson from Andrew’s life is Christians are to be willing to tell other people about Jesus. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations. Talking to others about Jesus can come easily to some and for others, it is a daunting task. Some people can easily talk with just about anyone and others speak more easily with people they know/ Simon Peter was most likely an extroverted person who could easily preach and outreach among large crowds as recorded in Acts. This thought of speaking like this to an introverted person, like myself, makes them feel anxiety. It is important to draw on your strengths. If you are great at speaking to large crowds, that’s great. You can do that to talk about Jesus to others. If you are better at one-on-one personal, intimate conversations, you can still talk to others about Jesus. The size of the crowd is not the requirement. 

In conclusion, while information about Andrew is limited, what we do know is amazing. Considering he was not in the forefront as his brother, Andrew may have more reserved, humble, and patience with the willingness to listen and learn. He is an example of enthusiasm and passion for Jesus and His message. He did not delay in his belief in Jesus and he demonstrated great faith and confidence. When he heard the good news of Jesus, he could not contain himself and told his brother. He also left his entire life to follow Jesus and continued to follow him even when he saw what it meant to truly follow him. He served Jesus in any way he could, including bringing people who wanted to know Jesus more. This attitude speaks volumes as much as a fiery speech or sermon.