A Biographical Bible Study

1. Name of Bible Personality: James

2. Scripture References: 4. Chronology (second reading):
Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3; Jn. 7:5; Acts 1:14, 12:17, AD Scripture Ref. Event / Situation
15:13-21, 21:17-18; 1 Cor.15:5,7; Gal. 1:19, 2:9; 30-33 Matt. 13:5; Mk. 6:3 During Jesus’ -his half-brother - ministry
James; Jude 1 John 7:5
 Death, Burial, Resurrection of Jesus Christ
3. First Impressions (first reading):
33 1 Cor. 15:5,7 Visited by the post-resurrected Christ
Acts 1:14 In the Upper Room, before Pentecost
 Birth of the Church at Pentecost
35 Acts 6-7,8:1 Death of Stephen, persecution
38 Gal. 1:19 Visited by Paul in Jerusalem
44 Acts 12:1-5,17 Persecution; Death of a namesake; A freed
Peter sends a message
49/50 Acts 15:13-21 Delivers keynote address at first church council
Gal. 2:9-10 An official agreement of fellowship with Paul
57/58 Acts 21:17-18 Visited by Paul
62 Martyred
5. General Insights (third reading):
Background
i. What can you discover about James’ family and
ancestry?
ii. What was the condition of his country –
politically and spiritually – during his lifetime?

Significant Events
i. Was there any great crisis in his life? How did
he handle it?
ii. Did James experience a divine ‘call’? How do
you think he responded?
iii. What crucial decisions did he have to make?
How did they affect others?
iv. What part do you think James play in the
history of God’s plan?

Reputation
i. Who wrote about what we know about James?
ii. What did people say about him?
iii. Why do you think God allowed James to be
mentioned in the Bible?

Tests of Character
i. How did James respond to adversity? Do you
think he got discouraged easily?
ii. How did he respond to success? Proud when
raised?

Relationships
i. How did James get along with other people?
ii. What influence did he have on others?

6. Character Qualities (fourth reading):

A Biographical Bible Study

6. Character Qualities (fourth reading): con’t

7. Illustrated Bible Truths (i.e. how some Bible truths are illustrated in this person’s life):

8: Summary of Lessons Learned:

9. Personal Application/Evaluation:

10. Transferability Concepts: 11. Person(s) to Share this Study with (and why):