How Many Siblings Did Jesus Have (and What Did They Do)
In the New Testament of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, there are references to Jesus having siblings. However, the exact number and the specific activities of these siblings are not detailed extensively. Here’s what we know:
Number of Siblings:
Brothers Mentioned: In Matthew 13:55-56 and Mark 6:3, four brothers are named: “Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?” In addition, sisters are mentioned, but not named or numbered.
Sisters Mentioned: The same verses state, “And his sisters, are they not all with us?” This implies that Jesus had at least two sisters, as the plural is used, but their names and exact number are not specified.
Activities of Jesus’ Siblings:
Initial Unbelief: In the Gospels, Jesus’ siblings are initially depicted as skeptical of his ministry. John 7:5 states, “For neither did his brethren believe in him.”
Later Involvement in the Church:
James: After Jesus’ death and resurrection, his brother James became a prominent leader in the early Christian church in Jerusalem. He is traditionally credited with authoring the Epistle of James in the New Testament.
Jude (Judas): Jude, another brother, is traditionally identified as the author of the Epistle of Jude.
Role in Early Christianity: The siblings of Jesus, particularly James, played significant roles in the early Christian community. James is especially noted for his leadership in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).
Limited Information: Beyond these roles, there’s limited information about the specific activities or lives of Jesus’ other siblings.
In summary, according to the KJV, Jesus had at least six siblings – four brothers and at least two sisters. Among them, James and Jude are noted for their roles in the early Christian church, but specific details about the lives and activities of the others are not provided in the biblical text.
