How many brothers or sisters did Jesus have?

Answer 1

Four men—James, Joses, Simon, and Judas—are mentioned as the brothers of Jesus. (See Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3.) There has been much discussion through the centuries as to the exact relationship of these men to Jesus. Three principal views have been advanced:

(1) that they were Jesus' actual brothers, that is, half brothers, sons of Joseph and Mary (and therefore younger than Jesus);

(2) that they were His stepbrothers, that is, children of Joseph by a previous marriage (and thus all older than He and not His blood relatives at all);

(3) that they were the cousins of Jesus on the mother's side, according to some, or on Joseph's side, according to others.

Those who hold the first view argue that this is the most natural way to understand the various references to these brothers; also that this is the most obvious intent of Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:7.

Those who hold the second view argue that Oriental family ethics would not permit younger brothers to taunt or otherwise meddle with an older brother as Jesus' brothers taunted Him (see Mark 3:31; John 7:3-4). They point out further that the fact that Jesus left His mother in the care of the apostle John (John 19:26-27) rather than with one of His brothers strongly implies that Mary had no other children.

The view that these brothers were the cousins of Jesus on Joseph's side is based on pure conjecture. That they were cousins on Mary's side is based on the unproved identity of "Mary, the wife of Cleophus" with the sister of Mary (John 19:25; Mark 15:40), and on the unproved identity of "Clopas" with Alphaeus (Mark 3:18).

Jesus' brothers are mentioned as accompanying Jesus and his mother to Capernaum after the marriage at Cana (John 2:12). Later Mary and these brothers are recorded as seeking an audience with Jesus (Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21). Toward the end of Jesus' ministry, His brethren are mentioned as urging Jesus to prove His Messiahship, which they themselves doubted (John 7:3-5). That they were later converted is clear, for they are described in Acts as uniting with the disciples and others in "prayer and supplication" prior to Pentecost (Acts 1:13-14). Paul implies that they were all married (1 Corinthians 9:5).

Many commentators hold that the author of the epistle of Jude, who identifies himself as the "brother of James," was one of these brothers (Jude 1). It is also generally believed that the leader of the church at Jerusalem was James, the Lord's brother (see Acts 12:17; 15:13). This seems to be confirmed by Paul's reference to his visit to Jerusalem, in which he states that he saw only Peter, and "James, the Lord's brother" (Galatians 1:18-19).

Answer 2

Because of arguments that Mary being a virgin, could not have had any other children, the bible is not too clear on this but it is written in the bible that he had 4 brothers

"Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Matthew 13:55-56"

But there are only references to 2 nameless sisters in bethany.

Answer 3

In the time of Jesus cousins and most forms of distant relation were reffered to as "brothers" or "sisters". Thus, it is hard to tell how they were in fact related to Jesus. He could very easily be speaking of his cousins, but who knows? Most seem to think that Jesus was an only child, based on the other evidence provided. I am unsure precisely how much is known of those people mentioned.

Never-the-less, such a question is not really inportant. What is important is that Mary was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus. That is why she is called "The Virgin Mary". If she concieved children later in her lifetime, that is no need to stain her name. She will still be the beloved, blessed, virgin Mary.

One thing we can all say for certain, however, is that Mary was certainly at least the mother of two. Before he died, Jesus turned to John and said "Behold, your mother", reffering to Mary. This was obviously not a revelation of genetics, but it was just as powerful. Finally, I think It can be said that, when all is said an done, Mary is the Queen of Heaven. She is a mother to us all.

Answer 4

He had none. He had cousins though, John the Baptist. Simon, James and maybe Andrew. All disciples. He had no brother half brothers sisters or half sister. Mary was an everlasting virgin. Just listen to the prayers. Jesus was the son of God. He was an only child.

Answer 5

James, Simon, Judas (different from the apostles James, Simon, and Judas), and Joseph were the names of his half brothers (children of Mary and Joseph after Jesus was born)
it does not name the sisters in the Bible

Answer 6

from a story that my grandmother read to me, (to many years ago to remember the book's title) Jesus had 4 half brothers.

Answer 7

There is really no way to answer that cause in his eyes everyone was his sister or brother!

Answer 8

None....could have been some half-brothers or sisters though.

Answer 9

4 brothers and at least 2 sisters.
Matthew 13:54-56 (New International Version)

54Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. 55"Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?"

Answer 10

Jesus has brothers, every christian is his brother. (Not a blood brother)