Topical Bible: Unbelief: Brethren of Christ

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "brethren of Christ" refers to the siblings of Jesus, specifically His brothers, who are mentioned in the New Testament. The Gospels provide insight into their initial unbelief in Jesus as the Messiah, a significant aspect of His earthly ministry and familial relationships.

Biblical References

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John mention the brothers of Jesus, highlighting their skepticism and lack of faith during His early ministry. In Matthew 13:55-56 , the people of Nazareth question Jesus' authority and wisdom, saying, "Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? And are not all His sisters with us?" This passage indicates that Jesus had a family who were well-known in their community, yet His brothers did not initially recognize His divine mission.

Mark 3:21 provides further insight into their unbelief: "When His family heard about this, they went out to take custody of Him, saying, 'He is out of His mind.'" This reaction suggests that Jesus' brothers were concerned about His mental state and did not understand His purpose or the nature of His ministry.

John 7:3-5 explicitly states their unbelief: "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 reveals their skepticism and perhaps a degree of sarcasm, as they challenge Jesus to prove Himself publicly.

Theological Implications

The unbelief of Jesus' brothers is significant in understanding the human aspect of Jesus' life and ministry. Despite growing up with Him, they did not initially accept His claims or understand His mission. This unbelief serves as a testament to the mystery of the Incarnation and the challenge of recognizing divine truth, even when it is close at hand.

The eventual belief of some of Jesus' brothers, particularly James, who became a leader in the early Church, underscores the transformative power of the Resurrection. According to 1 Corinthians 15:7 , Jesus appeared to James after His resurrection, which likely played a crucial role in his conversion. James later became a prominent figure in the Jerusalem church, as seen in Acts 15 and Galatians 1:19.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the Jewish culture of the time, family loyalty and honor were paramount. The skepticism of Jesus' brothers may have been influenced by societal expectations and the potential shame associated with Jesus' radical teachings and actions. Their initial unbelief reflects the broader challenge faced by many Jews of the time in accepting Jesus as the Messiah, who did not fit the traditional expectations of a political and military leader.

Conclusion

The unbelief of the brethren of Christ highlights the complexity of faith and the human struggle to recognize and accept divine truth. Their journey from skepticism to belief serves as a powerful narrative of transformation and redemption, illustrating the profound impact of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 7:5
For neither did his brothers believe in him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Thwarted
... Brethren, we may starve in the midst of plenty, if ... and power of God which are in
Christ Jesus our ... yourselves, and you do separate yourselves, by your unbelief. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ thwarted.htm

Explanation of the Lord's Question About his Mother and his ...
... But there is some ground for thinking that Christ's answer denies His mother ... "The
Lord's brethren had not ... In this very passage indeed, their unbelief is evident ...
/.../tertullian/ on the flesh of christ/chapter vii explanation of the lords.htm

The Credulity of Unbelief
... Unbelief and superstition are closely allied ... most earnest word, 'I beseech you,
therefore, brethren'; his constant ... I must decrease.' And to have Christ for our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the credulity of unbelief.htm

Who are My Brethren?
... reacts upon the character, in fostering irreverence and unbelief. ... and said, Behold
My mother and My brethren! ... All who would receive Christ by faith were united ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 33 who are my.htm

The Mistakes of Christ's Foes and Friends
... Practically hardened and permanent unbelief, conjoined with malicious ... visit of His
mother and brethren must be ... in order to apprehend rightly Christ's answer. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the mistakes of christs foes.htm

That Christ
... or rather lamenting the unbelief of the Jews, ie, of his own brethren, made use
of these words: "I wished myself," said he, "to be accursed from Christ, for my ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter i that christ.htm

My Brethren.
... It should end the discouragement and unbelief from which we ... Therefore He is not ashamed
to call us brethren. ... theoretically of our position in Christ, to know ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/my brethren.htm

Christ's Word, Seek, and Ye Shall Find, no Warrant for Heretical ...
... Our brethren adduce it as a pretext for entering on ... on it for importing the scrupulosity
(of their unbelief). ... felt by all whether He were the Christ, and when ...
/.../the prescription against heretics/chapter viii christs word seek and.htm

Fragrant Graces
... be hurried; and should it seem feeble, brethren, I cannot ... If you get fellowship with
Christ, I care little for the ... And too, there is our unbelief, which puts a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/fragrant graces.htm

Proofs of Jesus Christ
... [155] All nations were in unbelief and lust. ... Jesus Christ as a Father in His Father,
Jesus Christ as a Brother in His Brethren, Jesus Christ as poor in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xii proofs of jesus.htm