Matt 12:46 "His mother and his brethren" tried to stop him from preaching and gathering disciples

Matt 13:55-56 "His brethren James and Joses and Simon and Judas, and his sisters"

Mark 6:3 same as Matt 13:55-56

John 7:3-5, 10 His brothers taunt him to show his works at the festival; they do not believe he is Messiah

Acts 1:14 Mary and his brothers pray with the church in Jerusalem

Gal 1:19 Paul met with "James the Lord's brother"

1 Cor 15:7 Jesus appeared to James after the resurrection

1. Children of Joseph by prior marriage = older step-brothers and sisters.  Early Roman Catholic theory
    based on Gnostic gospel, no historical or biblical evidence.  Rejected with Gnostic gospels.

2. Children of Mary's deceased sister adopted by Joseph and Mary after birth of Jesus = adoptive
    brothers and sisters, actually cousins.  Current Roman Catholic theory.  Based on church dogma on
    presupposition of Mary's perpetual virginity; no historical or biblical evidence.  Rejected by Protestants
    for lack of such evidence.

3. Children of Mary and Joseph born after birth of Jesus = half-brothers and sisters.  Popular
    Protestant theory.  Based on logic and presupposition that only biblical evidence requires belief.

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