James the Just was a first-century leader of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. Identified in the New Testament as a brother of Jesus, he served as a prominent bishop and was considered one of the pillars of the early Church alongside Peter and John. He played a decisive role in the Council of Jerusalem, where he helped establish the guidelines for Gentile converts. Known for his righteousness, he led the Judeo-Christian community, emphasizing the importance of Jewish traditions within the growing faith.