Prepare to be shocked: the question of whether Jesus had siblings isn’t just a modern curiosity—it’s a debate rooted deep in early Christian history, with answers that vary wildly depending on where you look.
The canonical Gospels mention Jesus’ “brothers and sisters” (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55-56), naming James, Joseph (Joses), Judas, and Simon. But were they biological siblings, step-siblings, or cousins? The canonical texts are ambiguous, leaving the door open for interpretation.
Non-canonical sources take this debate to new heights:
The Protoevangelium of James (circa 2nd century): This text fiercely defends Mary’s perpetual virginity, suggesting that Jesus’ “brothers” were Joseph’s children from a previous marriage. Here, Joseph is depicted as an elderly widower with children, making Jesus’ siblings his step-siblings.
- Chapter 9: “And Joseph said to Mary: ‘Behold, I have taken you out of the temple of the Lord, and now I will leave you in my house. I am old, and you are a young girl. I shall be a guardian to you. But as for my children, I have sons who are older than you.'”
- Chapter 17: “And the midwife went out from the cave, and Salome met her. And the midwife said to her: ‘Salome, Salome, I have a new sight to tell you of. A virgin has brought forth—what nature cannot produce.'”
The Gospel of Thomas (circa 1st-2nd century): Though cryptic, this collection of sayings implies a special, perhaps strained, relationship between Jesus and James, hinting at familial ties that transcend simple labels.
- Saying 12: “The disciples said to Jesus, ‘We know that you will depart from us. Who is to be our leader?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Wherever you are, you are to go to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being.'”
The Gospel of the Hebrews: This fragmentary text refers to James as “the Lord’s brother,” emphasizing his leadership role in the early Church. Some scholars argue this indicates a blood relationship, while others see it as a spiritual title.
The Epistle of the Apostles (circa 2nd century): Here, Jesus directly refers to his disciples as his “brothers,” adding another layer of complexity. Is “brother” a term of spiritual kinship, or does it mask actual familial bonds?
So, did Jesus have siblings?
Authors writing generations later continued to expand the narrative to answer the question.
Sources:
- Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55-56 (Canonical Gospels)
- The Protoevangelium of James (Chapters 9, 17)
- The Gospel of Thomas (Saying 12)
- The Gospel of the Hebrews (fragmentary references)
- The Epistle of the Apostles (circa 2nd century)