One of the original apostles, James was the brother of John the Apostle, and son of Zebedee and Salome. In order to distinguish him from the son of Alphaeus, he is often called James the Greater. He was among the first disciples to become a follower of Jesus, having been a disciple of John the Baptist before Jesus was baptized. Along with his brother John, James is one of the "Sons of Thunder." He was one of only three disciples who bore witness to the Transfiguration, and was one of the first to be martyred, having been executed by Agrippa.