100 Reasons to Believe New Testament History
47. The Martyrdom of James AD 62
According to Josephus, James the brother of Jesus was martyred at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders in the year 62 A.D. A. James features prominently in the book of Acts as a very influential member of the newly formed church. In a book such as Acts, replete with examples of the author’s specific local knowledge and great care for historic details, the absence of any mention of James’ martyrdom is curious. The most reasonable explanation is that the book of Acts was completed before James was killed.
47. The Martyrdom of James AD 62 - Notes and References
A. “But the younger brother Ananus who, as we said, received the high priesthood, was of a bold disposition and exceptionally daring; he followed the party of the Sadducees, who are severe in judgement above all the Jews, as we have already shown. As therefore Ananus was of such disposition, he thought he had now a good opportunity, as Festus was now dead, and Albinus was still on the road; so he assembled a council of judges, and brought before it the brother of Jesus the so-called Christ, whose name was James, together with some others, having accused them as law-breakers, he delivered them over to be stoned.” Antiquities XX, 9.1