The term "His brothers" in the context of the New Testament refers to the siblings of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. The Gospels mention these brothers, providing insight into Jesus' earthly family and their interactions with Him during His ministry.

Biblical References

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles, provide references to Jesus' brothers. In Matthew 13:55 , the people of Nazareth question Jesus' identity, asking, "Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?" Similarly, Mark 6:3 records the townspeople saying, "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?"

The Gospel of John also mentions Jesus' brothers, noting their initial skepticism of His mission. John 7:5 states, "For even His own brothers did not believe in Him." This skepticism is significant, as it highlights the challenges Jesus faced even within His own family.

Names and Identity

The names of Jesus' brothers are consistently listed as James, Joseph (also referred to as Joses), Simon, and Judas (also known as Jude). James, often called James the Just, became a prominent leader in the early Christian church in Jerusalem. He is traditionally credited with writing the Epistle of James. Jude, another of Jesus' brothers, is believed to be the author of the Epistle of Jude.

Theological Considerations

The mention of Jesus' brothers has been a topic of theological discussion, particularly concerning the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, Jesus' mother. Some Christian traditions, such as the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, interpret "brothers" as either stepbrothers, cousins, or close relatives, maintaining that Mary remained a virgin throughout her life. This interpretation is supported by the use of the Greek word "adelphoi," which can mean brothers, but also more broadly relatives or kinsmen.

In contrast, other Christian traditions, particularly within Protestantism, accept the plain reading of the text, suggesting that these were indeed Jesus' biological half-brothers, children of Mary and Joseph after Jesus' birth.

Role in Early Christianity

Despite their initial disbelief, Jesus' brothers played significant roles in the early Christian community. Acts 1:14 notes that after Jesus' resurrection and ascension, "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." This indicates a transformation in their belief and commitment to Jesus' mission.

James, in particular, emerged as a key leader in the Jerusalem church. He is mentioned in Acts 15 as a central figure in the Council of Jerusalem, which addressed the issue of Gentile converts and the Mosaic Law. Paul's Epistles also reference James, highlighting his influence and leadership within the early church (Galatians 1:19).

Conclusion

The brothers of Jesus, initially skeptical of His ministry, became integral members of the early Christian community. Their journey from doubt to faith exemplifies the transformative power of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Their leadership and contributions to the early church underscore their importance in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of the church's foundational teachings.