Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson James Reunited with His Brother and Lord
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Apr 10, 2026 A reflection on Jesus appearing privately to his skeptical half-brother, James. A look at why that reunion mattered and which James Paul meant in his catalogue. Thoughts on Christ's patient, tender care for his confused family. A reminder that trusting Jesus brings people into his dearly loved family.
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Paul’s Singular Mention Of James
- Paul names a private post‑resurrection appearance specifically to James, implying James was a well‑known, living figure in the early church.
- Sinclair Ferguson argues this James was likely Jesus' half‑brother and not an original apostle, explaining the unique mention in 1 Corinthians 15.
Private Appearances For Those With Pasts
- Jesus often made private appearances to individuals who had complicated pasts or deep personal struggles.
- Ferguson connects Mary Magdalene, Peter, James, and Saul as examples of recipients of intimate encounters after misunderstanding or failure.
James The Brother Who Initially Did Not Believe
- James had not believed in Jesus while they were family together, making his later meeting with the risen Lord especially poignant.
- Ferguson notes John 7:5 and suggests James, as eldest, may have influenced his siblings' unbelief until Christ met him.