James the Less

James the Less is always mentioned as, ""The Son of Alphaeus," which indicates that he and Levi (Matthew) were brothers. The "Less," may have distinguished him from the other James because of his shorter stature; possibly because he was younger or less important than his namesake. There is evidence which suggests that his mother, Mary, was one of the women who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. The symbol of the saw recalls the tradition that at age ninety-six, he was thrown from the topmost part of the Temple and his mangled body was sawn in half.

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