Who was martyred by Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem?

The martyrdom of James (the Greater) by Herod Agrippa I is a significant event in early Christian history, primarily documented in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. This James is identified as one of the twelve apostles, the son of Zebedee and the brother of John.

Herod Agrippa I, who ruled from AD 41 to 44, sought to please the Jewish leaders and thus decided to persecute the early church, leading to the execution of James. His martyrdom served to illustrate the tensions between the early Christians and the Jewish authorities at the time, as well as Herod's political motivations, as he aimed to curry favor with the Jewish populace by targeting leaders of the Christian movement.

The event is notable not only for its immediate impact but also for setting a precedent for the persecution that would continue over the years against early Christians. James’s martyrdom is often regarded as a testament to his faith and commitment to spreading the message of Jesus Christ, even in the face of lethal opposition.