Topical Encyclopedia The term "Brethren of Jesus" refers to the individuals mentioned in the New Testament as the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ. These references have been the subject of theological discussion and debate, particularly concerning their exact relationship to Jesus and their role within the early Christian community.Biblical References The primary scriptural references to the brethren of Jesus are found in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "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?" (Matthew 13:55-56). Similarly, the Gospel of Mark states: "Isn’t this 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). The Gospel of John also mentions the brothers of Jesus, noting their initial skepticism: "For even His own brothers did not believe in Him" (John 7:5). In the Acts of the Apostles, the brethren of Jesus are noted as part of the early Christian community: "All these were united in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers" (Acts 1:14). Interpretations of "Brethren" The term "brethren" (Greek: ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) has been interpreted in various ways within Christian tradition. The most common interpretations include: 1. Biological Siblings: Some scholars and traditions hold that the brethren of Jesus were His biological half-brothers and half-sisters, children of Mary and Joseph born after Jesus. This view is often associated with a straightforward reading of the Gospel texts. 2. Cousins or Relatives: Another interpretation suggests that the term "brethren" refers to cousins or close relatives of Jesus. This view is supported by the understanding that the Hebrew and Aramaic languages, which influenced the Greek of the New Testament, often used the term "brother" to denote various familial relationships. 3. Step-siblings: A third perspective posits that these were children of Joseph from a previous marriage, making them step-siblings to Jesus. This view is more common in some early Christian writings and traditions. Role in Early Christianity Among the brethren of Jesus, James is the most prominently featured in the New Testament and early Christian history. Known as James the Just, he became a leading figure in the Jerusalem church. The Apostle Paul refers to him as a pillar of the church: "James, Cephas, and John, those reputed to be pillars" (Galatians 2:9). James is also traditionally credited with authorship of the Epistle of James. The brethren of Jesus, particularly James, played a significant role in the early church, bridging the Jewish and Gentile Christian communities. Their presence in the New Testament underscores the familial and communal aspects of the early Christian movement, highlighting the human connections of Jesus within His earthly ministry. Smith's Bible Dictionary Brethren of JesusLibrary The Brethren of Jesus. Jesus' First Residence at Capernaum. Jesus and his Brethren Christ's Teaching as to his Mother and Brethren. The Concern of Jesus' Friends. Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew. Sin and Forgiveness Between Brethren. The Rich Women of Piety who Followed Jesus Christ's Teaching by ... Jesus Only Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution. Resources Who were the Anabaptists, and what did they believe? | GotQuestions.orgProtestant Christianity ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What is Pietism? | GotQuestions.org Brethren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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