(4) James Tabor challenges the tradition that John the fisherman was the "beloved disciple" at the crucifixion, arguing instead that it was James, Jesus' blood brother. He positions James as the legitimate successor and leader of the "Nazarene movement" i

(4) James Tabor challenges the tradition that John the fisherman was the "beloved disciple" at the crucifixion, arguing instead that it was James, Jesus' blood brother. He positions James as the legitimate successor and leader of the "Nazarene movement" in Jerusalem, citing the Gospel of Thomas and James' authoritative role at the Council of Jerusalem in 50 CE. By emphasizing the role of biological brothers like James, Jude, and Simon, Tabor highlights the central importance of the Jesus family in maintaining the movement's leadership and integrity until James' martyrdom in 62 CE.