James the brother of Jesus is put to death
About this date: The usual date follows the gap between the death of Festus and the arrival of Albinus. The linked Whiston edition inserts 61 CE in a heading; Josephus's actual chronological anchor is the change of governors.
Josephus reports that Ananus convenes a council and has James, identified as the brother of Jesus called Christ, and others stoned. Protests lead to Ananus's removal from the high priesthood.
Historical context
The interval between Roman governors supplies both Josephus's date anchor and his explanation of Ananus's opportunity. Josephus also describes local opposition to the action, which prevents a simple picture of unanimous approval.
Key points
- This is James associated with the Jerusalem church, not James son of Zebedee, killed under Agrippa I.
- Eusebius also transmits a longer account from Hegesippus involving the Temple and a club.
- The different death narratives should remain attributed to their respective sources.
People
- James the brother of Jesus
- Ananus son of Ananus
- Porcius Festus
- Lucceius Albinus
- Herod Agrippa II
Sources and further reading
- Antiquities: James and the removal of Ananus
The extant Josephus account and its political aftermath. - Church History: James, Hegesippus, and Josephus
A collection of earlier testimonies whose wording and claims differ.