The term "The Lord's Brothers" refers to the siblings of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in the New Testament. These individuals are traditionally understood to be the sons of Mary and Joseph, making them the half-brothers of Jesus. The primary scriptural references to the Lord's brothers are found in the Gospels and the Epistles.

Biblical References

1. Matthew 13:55-56 : "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?" This passage identifies four brothers by name: James, Joseph (also called Joses), Simon, and Judas (also known as Jude). It also mentions sisters, though they are not named.

2. Mark 6:3 : "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?" This parallel passage in Mark reiterates the names of Jesus' brothers and acknowledges the presence of sisters.

3. John 7:3-5 : "So Jesus’ brothers said to Him, 'Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples may see the works You are doing. For no one who wants to be known publicly acts in secret. Since You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world.' For even His own brothers did not believe in Him." This passage highlights the initial skepticism of Jesus' brothers regarding His ministry.

4. Acts 1:14 : "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." After the resurrection, Jesus' brothers are depicted as part of the early Christian community, indicating a change in their belief.

5. Galatians 1:19 : "But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother." Here, Paul refers to James as an apostle and specifically as the Lord's brother, suggesting a prominent role in the early Church.

Theological Considerations

The identity and role of Jesus' brothers have been subjects of theological discussion and debate. The traditional view within Protestant Christianity is that these brothers were the biological children of Mary and Joseph, born after Jesus. This interpretation is supported by the straightforward reading of the Gospel texts.

In contrast, some Christian traditions, particularly within Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, hold to the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary. This belief posits that the term "brothers" could refer to close relatives or cousins, rather than biological siblings. This interpretation is based on linguistic and cultural considerations of the term "brother" (Greek: adelphos) in the biblical context.

Role in the Early Church

Among the brothers, James is the most prominently featured in the New Testament. Known as James the Just, he became a leading figure in the Jerusalem Church. His leadership is evident in the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) and his epistle, the Book of James, which is included in the New Testament canon.

Jude, another brother, is traditionally credited with writing the Epistle of Jude. This short letter addresses issues of false teachings and encourages believers to contend for the faith.

Historical and Cultural Context

The mention of Jesus' brothers provides insight into His familial and social environment. As a Jewish family in first-century Palestine, Jesus and His siblings would have been part of a close-knit community. The initial disbelief of His brothers, as noted in John 7, reflects the challenges Jesus faced in His ministry, even among those closest to Him.

The eventual acceptance and leadership roles of James and Jude in the early Church underscore the transformative impact of Jesus' resurrection and the spread of the Gospel. Their contributions to the Christian faith are recognized in both scriptural and historical records.