The Apostle James. The Apostle James was one of the so-called “Sons of Thunder” and specifically named “James, son of Zebedee” and is sometimes called “James the Greater” because there were at least three other James’ in the early church. One of the James’ was called “James, son of Alphaeus” and another James called “James the Just” who became the patron saint of Spain and Portugal.The Synoptic Gospels state that James and John were with their father by the seashore when Jesus called them to follow him. Matt. 4:21-22, Mk 1:19-20, James was one of only three apostles whom Jesus selected to bear witness to his Transfiguration.James stood firm in the face of persecution.Some claim he was the first bishop in spain.