Jakob von Eltz-Rübenach began his career in the church in 1523 when he became a Domizellar of the Cathedral of Trier.

He was elected cantor of the cathedral on 30 June 1547 and as dean on 13 October 1547.

He was opposed to the Protestant cause, speaking out at the 1556 Reichstag in Regensberg and at the 1557 Colloquy of Worms.

A noted proponent of the Counter-Reformation, he played a role in reforming a number of monasteries in the archbishopric.

Hans Ruprecht Hoffmann completed an altar at his grave in 1597.