From Fox’s Book of Martyrs: History of Christian Martyrs to the First General Persecutions under Nero
It was not for ten years after Stephen’s death that the next martyrdom took place: James, at the hands of Herod Agrippa.
James was Zebedee’s son, John’s brother, and a relative of Jesus. (James’ mother Salome was Mary’s cousin.)
In order to gain favor with the Judeans soon after he was appointed their governor, Herod began a harsh persecution of the Christians there. His strategy was to strike at their leaders.
An account of these events by Clemens Alexandrinus, an important writer at the time, gives us more details. As James was led away to his death he displayed such great courage that one of his accusers was moved to repentance. Falling down at James’ feet he requested his pardon and, professing himself a Christian, decided that James should not receive the martyr’s crown alone.
So both were beheaded that day; James, with cheer and determination, becoming the first apostolic martyr, drinking from the cup he told Jesus he would.
Timon and Parmenas were also martyred about that time, one at Philippi and the other at Macedonia.
These events took place in 44 AD.
