Topical Encyclopedia James, Joses, Judas, and Simon are traditionally recognized as the brothers of Jesus Christ, mentioned in the New Testament. Their relationship to Jesus has been a subject of theological discussion, particularly concerning the nature of their familial ties.James James is perhaps the most prominent among the brothers of Jesus. He is often identified as James the Just and is considered a leader in the early Christian church in Jerusalem. In the Gospels, James is mentioned as one of Jesus' brothers: "Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?" (Mark 6:3). James is also traditionally credited as the author of the Epistle of James, a book in the New Testament that emphasizes practical Christian living and faith in action. He played a significant role in the Jerusalem Council, as recorded in Acts 15, where he provided guidance on the inclusion of Gentile believers in the church. Joses Joses, also referred to as Joseph in some translations, is one of the lesser-known brothers of Jesus. He is mentioned in the same passages that list the siblings of Jesus: "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't His mother's name Mary, and aren't His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?" (Matthew 13:55). There is limited information about Joses in the New Testament, and he does not appear to have a prominent role in the early church as recorded in the biblical texts. Judas Judas, also known as Jude, is another brother of Jesus. He is traditionally identified as the author of the Epistle of Jude, a brief letter in the New Testament that warns against false teachers and encourages believers to contend for the faith. Like his brothers, Judas is mentioned in the Gospels as part of Jesus' family: "Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?" (Mark 6:3). The Epistle of Jude highlights themes of perseverance, faithfulness, and the importance of adhering to the teachings of the apostles. Simon Simon is the least mentioned of Jesus' brothers, with references limited to the lists of Jesus' siblings in the Gospels. There is no further biblical account of Simon's life or role in the early church. The mention of Simon alongside his brothers in passages like Mark 6:3 and Matthew 13:55 suggests that he was part of Jesus' immediate family, but beyond this, the New Testament provides no additional details about his life or ministry. The mention of these brothers in the Gospels has led to various interpretations regarding their exact relationship to Jesus. Some traditions hold that they were Jesus' half-brothers, sons of Mary and Joseph, while others suggest they were cousins or stepbrothers from a previous marriage of Joseph. Despite the limited information on some of these figures, their mention in the New Testament highlights the familial context of Jesus' earthly life and the diverse roles his family members played in the early Christian community. Subtopics James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him) in Gethsemane James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): At the Great Catch of Fish James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): At the Transfiguration of Jesus James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): Bigotry of James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): Civil Ambitions of James: (An Intimate Companion of Jesus, and Present With Him): Martyred James: An Apostle: Addresses the Gathering at Jerusalem in Favor of Liberty for the Gentile Converts James: An Apostle: Brother of Jesus James: An Apostle: Disciples Sent By, to Antioch James: An Apostle: Hears of the Success Attending Paul's Ministry James: An Apostle: Son of Alphaeus James: An Apostle: The Brother of Joses James: An Apostle: The Brother of Judas James: An Apostle: Witness of Christ's Resurrection James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome: Brother of John and a Fisherman James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome: Called to be an Apostle James: An Apostle--Son of Zebedee and Salome: Surnamed Boanerges by Jesus James: Asks Jesus Concerning his Second Coming James: At the Healing of Peter's Mother-In-Law James: At the Raising of the Daughter of Jairus James: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Revealed Himself to the Disciples After his Resurrection Related Terms |