For those who argue that the word “brethren” in Jesus’ case refers only to cousins, nephews, brothers-in-law, co-religionists, etc., supposedly in accordance with the Jewish people’s customs to include all kinsmen and kindred in the connotation and application, etc., I only can say it is a wishful thinking as per the adage: “blessed is the brother or sister that your mother did not give birth to”, which leads me to believe that God, through the different writers of the New Testament, was violating his own council and wisdom: “… nothing wavering ... For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed … A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:6 & 8). I can’t find any biblical justification, reason or purpose for God and the writers of His inspiration to use the word “brethren” in any other that its proper sense. “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (1Cor 14:33) “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (1Cor 1:27)
There is plenty of support in the biblical narratives and passages for any simple even uneducated person to see the proper and inclusive use for “Adelphos” (Brethren), “Suggenes” and “Sungenis” (Cousin-s-), “Anepsios” (Cousin/Nephew). Was not Joseph the “Suggenes” of Mary, his fiancé; was not John the Baptist the second “Suggenes” of Jesus; was not Mary, the mother of Jose and James the “Adelphe” of Mary, Mother of Jesus; was not Elizabeth the “Suggenes” of Mary, Mother of Jesus; was not the Gospel writer Mark the “Anepsios” of Barnabas; and finally was not Judas the “adelphos” of James, etc? (Cf. Num. 36:11, Col. 4:10, Luke 1.36 & 58, 2:44, 21:16 and Act 1:13)
After this lengthy introduction, let us faithfully and truthfully read all the passages that mention Jesus’ Brothers and Sisters as per the Word of God and not man, as we are commanded to be apologists and advocates of not only the Word of the Heavenly God but also of the historical Jesus and the people in His life, while being witnesses to His faithfulness and truths:
- “His BRETHREN therefore said unto Him: “depart hence, and go into
Judaea
, that Your DISCIPLES also may see the works that you do. For no man does any thing in secret, and he himself seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world”. For neither did his brethren believe in him. Then Jesus said unto them: My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you; but me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil…But when his BRETHREN were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.” (John 7:1-10).
- “Is not this the carpenter, the Son of Mary, the brother of JAMES, and JOSE, and of JUDAS, and SIMON? Are not his SISTERS here with us? And they were offended at him.” Matt 13:55 & Mark 6:3
- “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James (the son) of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas (the brother) of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women (maybe including Jesus’ sisters), and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with His BRETHREN.” Act 1:13-14. Does not the word & use of “brethren” means here His real brothers as we clearly see the names of the 11 apostles?
- “But other of the apostles saw I none, save JAMES the Lord's BROTHER ... Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.” Gal 1:19-20.
- “JUDE, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of JAMES, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:1. Judas and James are two brothers of Jesus (Cf Matt 13 above)
- “While he yet talked to the people, behold, his MOTHER and his BRETHREN stood without, desiring to speak with him.” Matt 12:46 & Mark 3:31.
- “After this he went down to
Capernaum
, he, and His MOTHER, and His BRETHREN, and His DISCIPLES: and they continued there not many days.” John 2:12.
- “Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other APOSTLES, and the BRETHREN of the Lord, and Cephas? 1Cor 9:5.
- “But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said:” Go show these things unto JAMES, and to the BRETHREN." And he departed, and went into another place. Act 12:17.
- “And when we were come to Jerusalem, the BRETHREN received us gladly, and the following day Paul went in with us unto JAMES; and all the elders were present.” Act 21:17-18.
- “And when JAMES, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars (of the faith / Church),… certain came from JAMES …” Gal 2:9+12.
