The New Testament provides several references to the brothers of Jesus, indicating that He had siblings who played various roles in His earthly life and the early Christian community. The Gospels and other New Testament writings offer insights into their identities and interactions with Jesus.

Names and References

The Gospels of Matthew and Mark explicitly mention the names of 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, "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?" These passages suggest that Jesus had at least four brothers: James, Joseph (also called Joses), Simon, and Judas (also known as Jude).

Role in Jesus' Ministry

Initially, Jesus' brothers did not believe in Him. John 7:5 states, "For even His own brothers did not believe in Him." This skepticism is evident during Jesus' ministry, as they appear to misunderstand His mission and identity. However, their perspective seems to change after the resurrection.

James, the Brother of Jesus

James, often referred to as "James the Just," emerges as a significant figure in the early Church. He is traditionally identified as the author of the Epistle of James. In Acts 15, James plays a crucial role in the Jerusalem Council, demonstrating his leadership within the early Christian community. Paul also acknowledges James' prominence in Galatians 1:19 , stating, "But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother."

Jude, the Brother of Jesus

Jude, another of Jesus' brothers, is traditionally considered the author of the Epistle of Jude. In Jude 1:1 , he introduces himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James," indicating his familial relationship with Jesus while emphasizing his spiritual servitude.

Theological Considerations

The mention of Jesus' brothers has been a topic of theological discussion, particularly concerning the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary. Some Christian traditions, such as the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, interpret "brothers" as close relatives or cousins, rather than biological siblings, to maintain the belief in Mary's perpetual virginity. Others, including many Protestant traditions, accept the plain reading of the text, suggesting that these were indeed Jesus' half-brothers, children of Mary and Joseph.

Presence in the Early Church

After the resurrection, Jesus' brothers are noted to be part of the early Christian community. Acts 1:14 records, "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." This indicates their eventual acceptance of Jesus' messianic identity and their involvement in the nascent Church.

The brothers of Jesus, particularly James and Jude, played significant roles in the early Christian movement, contributing to the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the Church. Their journey from skepticism to leadership highlights the transformative power of faith and the resurrection.