Jesus' Family in the Gospels and Epistles
Jesus' Family in the Gospels and Epistles
The Gospels and Epistles provide various insights into Jesus' family and the concept of family in the context of Christian theology. Jesus' mother, Mary, is mentioned in several passages, including Luke 3, where her genealogy is given, establishing her connection to the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David [2].
The New Testament also highlights Jesus' interactions with his family. In Mark 3:20-35, Jesus' family is portrayed as being at odds with him, with the passage suggesting that they thought he was out of his mind [6]. However, other passages, such as John 11:5, indicate that Jesus had a close relationship with certain family members, including Martha, Mary, and Lazarus [5].
The concept of family is also explored in the Epistles. In Ephesians 3:15, Paul writes that "the whole family in heaven and earth is named" from God, suggesting a broader understanding of family that encompasses both earthly and heavenly realms [1]. This passage is interpreted in various ways by different traditions. For example, John Gill understands it to refer to God's fatherhood over all beings, whether angelic or human, while Adam Clarke sees it as indicating that believers on earth, the spirits of just men made perfect in heaven, and holy angels all form one family under God as their Father [4, 8].
The significance of family in the New Testament is also reflected in the way Jesus redefines family ties. In Luke 14:1, Jesus is seen dining in the home of a Pharisee, highlighting the importance of table fellowship and community [7]. Moreover, Jesus' statement that his followers are his true family (Mark 3:31-35) underscores the idea that spiritual relationships can supersede biological ones.
The biblical concept of family is thus multifaceted, encompassing both biological and spiritual dimensions. As the biblical narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the family of God includes not just Jesus' immediate relatives but a broader community of believers across time and space [3].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] Ephesians 3:15 — Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Mary — Hebrew Miriam. (1.) The wife of Joseph, the mother of Jesus, called the "Virgin Mary," though never so designated in Scripture (Matt. 2:11; Acts 1:14). Little is known of her personal history. Her genealogy is given in Luke 3. She was of the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David (Ps. 132:11; Luke 1:32). She was connected by marriage with Elisabeth, who was of the lineage of Aaron (Luke 1:36). While she resided at Nazareth with her parents, before she became the wife of Joseph, the angel Gabriel announced to her that she was to be the mother of the promised M”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Titles and Names of the Church — Assembly of the saints -- Ps 89:7. Assembly of the upright -- Ps 111:1. Body of Christ -- Eph 1:22,23; Col 1:24. Branch of God's planting -- Isa 60:21. Bride of Christ -- Re 21:9. Church of God -- Ac 20:28. Church of the Living God -- 1Ti 3:15. Church of the first-born -- Heb 12:23. City of the Living God -- Heb 12:22. Congregation of saints -- Ps 149:1. Congregation of the Lord's poor -- Ps 74:19. Dove -- Song 2:14; 5:2. Family in heaven and earth -- Eph 3:15. Flock of God -- Eze 34:15; 1Pe 5:2. Fold of Christ -- Joh 10:16. General a”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 3:14: Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. This may refer either to God, the Father of Christ; who is the Father of the whole family in heaven and in earth; not only the Father of Christ, but the Father of spirits, of angelic spirits, as well as of the souls of men; and the Father of all the saints by adopting grace, whether above or below; they are all the household of God: or else to Jesus Christ, who is the everlasting Father, the Son over his own house, and the firstborn among many brethren: and this family consists either of elect angels and elect ”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 11:5: Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus--what a picture!--one that in every age has attracted the admiration of the whole Christian Church. No wonder that those miserable skeptics who have carped at the ethical system of the Gospel, as not embracing private friendships in the list of its virtues, have been referred to the Saviour's peculiar regard for this family as a triumphant refutation, if such were needed.”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 3:20: 3:20-35 This story about Jesus and his family (3:20-21 and 31-35) brackets a controversy story about Jesus’ exorcisms (3:22-30); this arrangement identifies Jesus’ family with the religious leaders in opposing him. 3:20 That Jesus and the disciples can’t find time to eat emphasizes Jesus’ great popularity with the crowds (3:7-9).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 14:1: 14:1 in the home of a leader of the Pharisees: In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is frequently seen dining.”
- Ephesians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ephesians 3:15: Of whom the whole family - Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ on earth, the spirits of just men made perfect in a separate state, and all the holy angels in heaven, make but one family, of which God is the Father and Head. St. Paul does not say, of whom the families, as if each order formed a distinct household; but he says family, because they are all one, and of one. And all this family is named - derives its origin and being, from God, as children derive their name from him who is the father of the family: holy persons in heaven and earth derive their being an”