Insights gleaned on how the Messianic movement led by John the Baptist and Jesus had parallels in the Qumran community of Essenes... e.g. baptism, apocalyptic fervor culminating in 2 Messiahs (one priestly from Aaron lineage and the other kingly from Davidic dynasty), Teacher of Righteousness (a leader founder) who appropriates OT prophetic texts to interpret contemporary events. James the Just is brother of Jesus and an apostle. He's known to be a prominent leader in Jerusalem church if not the foremost leader. Even Paul recognized him, Peter and John as 3 pillars of the church. But the Jewish Christianity that he represents has been increasingly marginalized as the demographics of the church evolved into a primarily Gentile one. This explains the conflicts lying beneath Galatians and the epistle of James/Jude. In later centuries, the Ebionites who accept Hebrew version of Gospel of Matthew and reject all Pauline writings still carry on their legacy. The non-canonical Gospel of Peter claims that the resurrected Christ appeared first to James, which carries spiritual 'manna' (authority). Theirs was a gospel of God's kingdom come on earth with the reign of a Messiah from David's dynasty (Joseph's lineage was cursed, while Mary's one from Nathan/not Solomon is not). It emphasizes blessings on the poor, being doers of the Torah not just empty belief and strictly monotheistic.
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