He was known as the dependable David Zebedee. He was the brother of John and James Zebedee. [1] He respected Jesus as mechanic, but took little stock in his religious views. [2] Zebedee's father went to live with his son David. [3] He followed Jesus after the supposedly miraculous draught of fishes. [4]
He was a brave and efficient leader. [5] He served not by mandate, but by the will of his own heart. [6] He supervised the Bethsaida encampment. [7]
He rudely treated Kirmet, a prophet who caused some ruckus in the camp of Jesus' disciples. He plunged him several times in the lake, urging him to go away and create his own group of followers. [8] Set up a big camp at Pella. [9] Closed Pella camp and sold equipment. [10] Gave Judas funds from the sale of equipment. [11]
Jesus declined the offer of bodyguards. [12] David commanded several of his messengers to watch over Jesus. [13] He had 25 sentinels stationed around the house of his father Zebedee. [14] Stood guard at Gethsemane. [15]
He knew of the plan to kill Jesus and knew that Judas was part of the plot. [16] He was the one who called his mother Salome and the family of Jesus foreseeing an imminent death of Jesus. [17] He firmly believed that Jesus would rise from the tomb, unlike the apostles. [18]
Gave the Judas bag with the apostolic funds to Matthew. [19] He was present at the fourth appearance of Jesus. [20] He married Ruth, the sister of Jesus, and went to Philadelphia after the crucifixion. [21] Was the financial overseer of Jesus' followers in Philadelphia. [22] Self-proclaimed defender of Lazarus. [23]
See also: UB 156:6.3-4; UB 157:6.1; UB 158:8.1; UB 176:2.9; UB 177:5.1,3; UB 182:2.5; UB 187:6.1; UB 188:3.3.