The stoning of James
Charles W. Hedrick (composite) · Public domain / scholarly composite. Reproduced for educational and religious commentary.
1When James had finished, he ascended the temple at the hour after he had bathed. He found a multitude making an uproar — many of them gathered together to lay hands on him.
2And he stretched out his hands and prayed in this manner: My God and my Father, who saved me from this dead hope, who made me alive through a mystery of what is pleasing to you — do not let these days of this world be prolonged for me, but the day of your light remain in which there is no night, and let your power dwell in me, that they may not be able to hold me.
3I have called you, my Lord, who is above all lords; you who saved my soul, give me strength to fulfil the work which I have begun.
4Then they laid hold of him and struck him as they dragged him on the ground. They stretched him out, and placed a stone on his belly. They all stamped upon him with their feet, saying, You have erred.
5Again they raised him up since he was alive, and made him dig a hole; they made him stand in it. And while they were covering him from the loins, in this way they stoned him.
6And he stretched out his hands, saying his prayer, the one which he was accustomed to say. He stood up and prayed: My Father, who is in the heavens, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing.
7Such was the death of James the Just.