In New Testament history and Christian tradition, James is most notably identified as James the Just, described as the brother or kinsman of Jesus. He played a central leadership role within the early Christian church in Jerusalem during the decades following the crucifixion. Another key figure is James the son of Zebedee, who was one of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. Scholars and historians have debated the exact familial relationship denoted by the term brother in ancient texts, but his leadership position in the early apostolic community remains undisputed.