2742.- Brothers and Sisters of Jesus by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, Cal. · Feb 24, 1909

2742.— Brothers and Sisters of Jesus.

By Editor

Did Mary have other children besides Jesus? Mark 6:3 seems to indicate that she had. C. K.

Then why not believe the text? It clearly reads: "Is not this the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not His sisters here with us?" And yet it is possible that these who are mentioned as brothers of Jesus were children of Joseph by a former wife. There are some who have contended that they were merely cousins, or close relatives, but one would hardly expect the language of Mark 6:3, Matt. 12:46, and Gal. 1:19 to refer to cousins. It would seem that the expression in Gal. 1:19 would mean one who was an actual brother. It would make no difference with our salvation in any way as to whether they were actual brothers of Christ, or brothers by law, because Joseph was His father by law. It is a great deal more important that we be truly His disciples so that Matt. 12:49 may be true in our case. "Behold My mother and My brethren."