The seizure and the witness
Wolf-Peter Funk / Marvin Meyer (composite) · Public domain / scholarly composite. Reproduced for educational and religious commentary.
1When the Lord had spoken these words, James left, rejoicing. And he came down to a place that was on the road. And he saw seven women on the way. They were dancing and stamping. He greeted them, and a voice came forth from them, saying, James, blessed are you, you who have known the way; for it is by the way that he goes through the rulers.
2And the Lord called him, saying, James. Tomorrow morning go up on the mountain, and command the people who are with you. Strengthen them, and tell them, Do not turn back, but go forward, and do not weep, for you have not lost what is yours. They have not destroyed me; and I have not destroyed them. I have not been taken away from you.
3James left, weeping. And he gathered the people, and went up on the mountain. They sat down, and James, when he saw them, said, My beloved, those who have love and those who do not — listen to my words and be strong. The Lord has spoken with me. He has revealed to me the salvation, and I have a teaching for you that none of you should be ignorant of the truth.
4And his testimony was finished. James was thrown down from the temple. The crowd cast stones at him; but he prayed, saying, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. And then he died.
5Such was the manner of James the brother of the Lord, who handed on the teaching as the Lord had commanded him.