Book 2 — Chapter 9 — The Martyrdom of Yaaqov son of Zavdai
Herod Agrippa begins persecuting members of the assembly and executes Yaaqov son of Zavdai with the sword. Eusebius preserves a tradition from Clement of Alexandria that the man who had accused Yaaqov was moved by his testimony, confessed that he too belonged to the Way, and was led to execution beside him. According to the story, the accuser asked Yaaqov's forgiveness; Yaaqov considered him, embraced him, and spoke shalom before both died. The tradition emphasizes reconciliation at the point of death and became an early memory of apostolic martyrdom. Eusebius distinguishes Yaaqov son of Zavdai from Yaaqov the brother of Yahushua, whose death he treats later.