Zebedee is a significant figure in the New Testament, primarily known as the father of two of Jesus' apostles, James and John. He was a fisherman by trade, residing in the region of Galilee, likely near the Sea of Galilee, which was a hub for fishing activities during that time.

Family and Background: Zebedee was married to Salome, who is believed to have been a follower of Jesus and possibly one of the women who supported His ministry. The family was likely of some means, as indicated by the presence of hired servants in their fishing business (Mark 1:20). This suggests that Zebedee's family was not impoverished, but rather had a stable livelihood.

Sons, James and John: Zebedee's sons, James and John, were among the first disciples called by Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him" (Matthew 4:21-22). This passage highlights the immediate and decisive response of James and John to Jesus' call, leaving their father and the family business to become "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19).

Role in the Gospels: While Zebedee himself does not play a direct role in the narrative of the Gospels, his mention underscores the familial and social context of Jesus' early followers. The decision of James and John to leave their father and join Jesus' ministry reflects the radical commitment required to follow Christ, a theme prevalent throughout the New Testament.

Cultural and Religious Context: Zebedee's occupation as a fisherman places him within the socio-economic framework of first-century Galilee, a region heavily influenced by Jewish customs and Roman rule. Fishing was a common and respected trade, and Zebedee's ability to employ others suggests a level of success and stability. This background provides insight into the lives of the apostles before their calling and the diverse backgrounds from which Jesus drew His disciples.

Legacy: Although Zebedee himself is not a central figure in the Gospel narratives, his legacy is carried on through his sons, James and John, who became prominent leaders in the early Christian church. James is often referred to as James the Greater to distinguish him from James the Less, another of Jesus' disciples. John, traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation, is a pivotal figure in the New Testament.

Zebedee's mention in the Gospels serves as a reminder of the familial ties and personal sacrifices involved in the early Christian movement. His sons' willingness to leave their father and follow Jesus exemplifies the transformative call of discipleship that transcends familial and occupational boundaries.

Fragment Lv. "Then Drew Near unto Him the Mother of Zebedee's ...
... Fragment LV. "Then drew near unto Him the mother of Zebedee's children?
"Then [4914] drew near unto Him the mother of Zebedee's ...
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Of the Occasions on which He Foretold his Passion in Private to ...
... Chapter LXIV."Of the Occasions on Which He Foretold His Passion in Private to His
Disciples; And of the Time When the Mother of Zebedee's Children Came with ...
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Ambrose Answers those who Press the Words of the Lord to the ...
... Book V. Chapter V. Ambrose answers those who press the words of the Lord
to the mother of Zebedee's? Ambrose answers those who ...
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Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... And thus, in reply to the mother of Zebedee's children, he says, It is not mine
to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of the Father'. ...
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Of the Women who were Standing There, and of the Question Whether ...
... off, which followed Jesus from Galilee: among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary
the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's children." [1458 ...
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Fragments from the Lost Writings of Iren??us
... a? Fragment LV. "Then drew near unto Him the mother of Zebedee's children?
**Indexes**. Subject Index. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. ...
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Ci. Foretelling his Passion. Rebuking Ambition.
... of his saying dawn upon them"John 12:16xiv.26.] ^b 35 And there ^a 20 Then came {
^b come} near unto him ^a the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons ...
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Christ Crucified and Buried.
... Matthew names among the women, "Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of Joses, and
the mother of Zebedee's children." The last, Salome, is supposed to have been ...
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Wyclif -- Christ's Real Body not in the Eucharist
... Also in another place He called His passion a cup, where the mother of Zebedee's
sons came to Him, and asked of Him that her two sons, when He came to His ...
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The Gospel According to St. Mark
... name of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar (x.46); the names of Alexander and Rufus, the
sons of Simon of Cyrene (xv.21); Salome, the mother of Zebedee's children (xv ...
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Zebedee's (2 Occurrences)
...Zebedee's (2 Occurrences). Matthew 20:20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's
children, with her sons, worshiping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. ...
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Zebidah (1 Occurrence)

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Zebedees (2 Occurrences)

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Worshiping (24 Occurrences)
... Matthew 20:20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children, with her sons,
worshiping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. (WBS). ...
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Intercession (12 Occurrences)
... A remarkable instance of intercession is recorded in Matthew 20:20-23, where the
mother of Zebedee's sons makes a request on behalf of her children; the added ...
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Who was Zebedee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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