The New Testament provides limited information regarding the family of Jesus, particularly His sisters. The Gospels mention His siblings, but specific details about His sisters are sparse.

Biblical References:

1. Mention of Sisters:
· In the Gospel of Matthew, the people of Nazareth express astonishment at Jesus' wisdom and miraculous powers, questioning His humble origins. They ask, "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 as well? Where then did this man get all these things?” (Matthew 13:55-56). This passage indicates that Jesus had multiple sisters, though their names and number are not specified.

2. Parallel Account:
· The Gospel of Mark provides a similar account, where the townspeople of Nazareth question Jesus' authority and origins: "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” (Mark 6:3). Again, the sisters are mentioned but remain unnamed and unnumbered.

Cultural Context:

· Family Structure:
· In Jewish culture during the time of Jesus, families were typically large, and it was common for siblings to live in close proximity. The mention of Jesus' sisters alongside His brothers suggests a traditional family structure, where siblings were integral to the household and community life.

· Role of Women:
· The limited mention of Jesus' sisters reflects the broader cultural context of the time, where genealogies and narratives often focused on male lineage and roles. Women, while vital to family and community, were less frequently highlighted in historical records.

Theological Considerations:

· Perpetual Virginity of Mary:
· The mention of Jesus' siblings, including sisters, has been a point of theological discussion, particularly concerning the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary. Some traditions interpret "brothers" and "sisters" as close relatives or cousins, rather than direct siblings, to maintain this doctrine.

· Jesus' Humanity:
· The references to Jesus' family, including His sisters, underscore His humanity and His experience of ordinary family life. This aspect of His life highlights His full participation in human experiences, aligning with the Christian belief in the Incarnation.

Historical and Apocryphal Texts:

· Non-Canonical Sources:
· Some apocryphal texts and early Christian writings provide additional, though not authoritative, insights into the family of Jesus. These texts occasionally name sisters or offer narratives about Jesus' family, but they are not considered part of the canonical Scriptures.

In summary, while the Gospels affirm the existence of Jesus' sisters, they provide minimal details about them. The references serve to emphasize Jesus' familial ties and His connection to the community of Nazareth.Matthew 13:56
And his sisters, are they not all with us? From where then has this man all these things?
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 6:3
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Nave's Topical Index

The Pentateuch.
... again, rest on false assumptions in regard to facts. ... of the great Antitype, which
is Jesus Christ, "the Lamb ... are necessarily of a very miscellaneous character. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

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