Who were the brothers of Jesus mentioned in the Bible?

The brothers of Jesus mentioned in the Bible have been a topic of much interest and debate among scholars and believers alike. The New Testament provides several references to Jesus' siblings, and understanding their identities can offer deeper insights into the familial and social context of Jesus' life and ministry.

In the Gospel of Matthew, the brothers of Jesus are explicitly named in a few passages. Matthew 13:55-56 says, "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" This passage not only names four brothers—James, Joseph (also called Joses in Mark 6:3), Simon, and Judas (also known as Jude)—but also mentions that Jesus had sisters, though they are not named here or elsewhere in the New Testament.

The identification of these brothers has led to various interpretations over the centuries. Some early Christian traditions, particularly those from the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox perspectives, have proposed that these "brothers" were not biological siblings from Mary and Joseph but rather cousins or step-siblings. This interpretation arises from the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, which holds that Mary remained a virgin throughout her life.

One argument for this view is the use of the Greek word "adelphos" (ἀδελφός) in the New Testament, which can mean a biological brother, but can also be used more broadly to refer to a close relative or even a fellow believer. For instance, in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), the term "adelphos" is used to describe relationships between close relatives other than siblings, such as in Genesis 13:8 where Abraham calls Lot his brother though Lot is actually his nephew.

However, the most straightforward reading of the Gospel texts suggests that these individuals were indeed Jesus' half-brothers, children of Mary and Joseph born after Jesus. This interpretation is supported by the context of the passages and the fact that the people in Jesus' hometown of Nazareth referred to them as his brothers and sisters in a way that suggests they were part of his immediate family.

James, one of Jesus' brothers, is particularly notable in the early Christian community. He is often identified with James the Just, who became a leading figure in the Jerusalem church. Paul mentions James in Galatians 1:19, saying, "I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother." This James played a crucial role in the early church, presiding over the Jerusalem Council described in Acts 15 and authoring the Epistle of James, a letter included in the New Testament canon.

Jude, another brother of Jesus, is traditionally identified as the author of the Epistle of Jude. In the opening of his letter, Jude refers to himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James" (Jude 1:1), which aligns with the familial connections mentioned in the Gospels.

The other two brothers, Joseph (Joses) and Simon, are less prominent in the biblical narrative, and there is little information about their lives or roles within the early Christian community. Nevertheless, their mention in the Gospels underscores the fact that Jesus grew up in a typical Jewish family structure, with siblings who would have shared in the daily life and experiences of their household in Nazareth.

The presence of Jesus' brothers and sisters also highlights the humanity of Jesus, who experienced family dynamics and relationships just as we do. This aspect of his life can make him more relatable to believers, as it shows that he was part of a real, everyday family with all the joys and challenges that come with it.

The question of Jesus' siblings also touches on broader theological themes, such as the nature of the Incarnation. Jesus, fully divine and fully human, entered into our world in the most ordinary of circumstances, being born into a family with siblings. This reality can deepen our appreciation of the humility and accessibility of Jesus, who did not remain distant from human experiences but fully embraced them.

In summary, the brothers of Jesus mentioned in the Bible—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas—were likely his half-brothers, children of Mary and Joseph. Their presence in the Gospel narratives provides valuable context for understanding Jesus' earthly life and the early Christian community. While some traditions interpret these siblings as cousins or step-brothers to uphold the doctrine of Mary's perpetual virginity, the most straightforward reading of the New Testament suggests that they were indeed his biological siblings. These brothers, particularly James and Jude, played significant roles in the early church, contributing to the spread of the Gospel and the formation of Christian doctrine. Through their stories, we gain a fuller picture of the family life of Jesus and the human connections that shaped his ministry.