Jacob of Bethlehem in Galilee
Powerful man from Bethlehem in Galilee who became the murderer of the wealthy Joel, husband of his mistress. He accuses the young Abel of this crime.[1]
He is suddenly struck by Jesus, like his accomplices Aser and Joel’s servant, with immediate leprosy. The young Abel later returns to try to convert him:
"[...] he is a demon. He is the most guilty one, he was already an adulterer when he became homicide, he incited Aser, he corrupted Joel’s servant who is a bit silly and easily subdued, and he continues to be a demon. From his lips hatred and curses, from his heart hatred and cruelty. [...] But I have not lost all hope of saving him. I will go back… Once, twice, many times with succour and love and I will make him love me. He thinks that I go to sneer at his ruin. But I go to rebuild it. If he succeeds in loving me, he will listen to me, and if he listens to me he will end up by believing in You. That is what I want."[2]
His name
יעקב
Jacob (Ia'acob) or James: etymologically: "he who supplants" or "God protects" - Historical: Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebecca, twin brother of Esau, who took the name Israel after wrestling with the angel.