Acts 15:13

And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, " Men and brethren, listen to me:

1. The background was laid by Peter at Cornelius' house.

2. The Gentile conversions were multiplied by Paul and Barnabas.

3. Now James speaks.

1. This is not James, the brother of John, because he was killed in Acts 12:2.

2. There are two possible James' mentioned here

1. James the Less, also called James the son of Alphaeus

2. James, the brother of Jesus

3. Most commentaries believe this is James the Less, one of the 12 Apostles.

4. I disagree. I believe this James is the Lord's brother. Reasons for this:

1. He is not called an apostle.

2. He was called a "pillar" in the church. (Galatians 2:9)

3. He was, it appears, one of the elders, but not an apostle.