Saying 12: James the Just
Asked who will lead them after he goes, Jesus sends the disciples to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being.
Commentary
A remarkable historical fossil. James, the brother of Jesus, led the Jerusalem community until his death around 62 CE, and this saying appears to preserve a claim to his authority — set, in the very next saying, alongside a claim for Thomas that outranks it.
Parallels
Galatians 1:19; Acts 15
Sayings on the same themes
- Saying 68 Saying 68: Blessed Are You When You Are Hated Blessed are you when you are hated and persecuted; and no place will be found wherever you have been persecuted.
- Saying 43 Saying 43: The Tree and Its Fruit Asked who he is to speak this way, Jesus replies that they do not recognise him from what he says: they have…
- Saying 37 Saying 37: When You Strip Without Shame Asked when he will appear to them, Jesus answers: when you undress without being ashamed, and trample your clothes underfoot like little…
- Saying 90 Saying 90: My Yoke Is Easy Come to me: my yoke is comfortable and my rule is gentle, and you will find rest for yourselves.
- Saying 47 Saying 47: Two Horses, Two Masters, New Wine No one rides two horses or draws two bows; no servant serves two masters. Nobody drinks old wine and immediately wants new;…
- Saying 89 Saying 89: Washing the Outside of the Cup Why do you wash the outside of the cup? Do you not understand that whoever made the inside also made the outside?