James the Apostle — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on james the apostle, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Matthew 4:21 (KJV)
Who was the father of James the apostle?
Answer: Zebedee
Study note. James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother.
Lesson 2 · Matthew 4:21 (KJV)
What was James doing when Jesus called him?
Answer: Mending nets with his father
Study note. In a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets.
Lesson 3 · Matthew 4:21 (KJV)
Who was James' apostle brother?
Answer: John
Study note. James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother.
Lesson 4 · Mark 3:17 (KJV)
What name did Jesus give the two brothers?
Answer: Boanerges — sons of thunder
Study note. He surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder.
Lesson 5 · Matthew 17:1 (KJV)
On which mountain did James witness the Transfiguration?
Answer: A high mountain (Mt. of Transfiguration)
Study note. Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John… up into an high mountain.
Lesson 6 · Mark 14:33 (KJV)
Which three were with Jesus in Gethsemane?
Answer: Peter, James, and John
Study note. Taketh with him Peter, and James, and John… and began to be sore amazed.
Lesson 7 · Luke 9:54 (KJV)
What fire did James and John want to call down on a Samaritan village?
Answer: Fire from heaven
Study note. Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven?
Lesson 8 · Matthew 20:21 (KJV)
What did James and John (through their mother) request?
Answer: Seats on Jesus' right and left in His kingdom
Study note. Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
Lesson 9 · Acts 12:2 (KJV)
Which king killed James the apostle with the sword?
Answer: Herod Agrippa I
Study note. Herod the king… killed James the brother of John with the sword.
Lesson 10 · Acts 12:2 (KJV)
What unique distinction does James the apostle hold?
Answer: First of the Twelve to be martyred
Study note. He was the first of the Twelve apostles to die for the faith (Acts 12).
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does james the apostle point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?