It appears Catholics believe Mary remained a virgin. This is not supported in the Bible as brothers and sisters are clearly referred to.
Actually, a question to consider is, why didn't she remain a virgin? After the incredible experience of bringing forth God Himself, it would have been logical.
It's worth shining a light on this. She was the most important woman who ever lived. The vessel by which Jesus came into this world. You might imagine her fulfillment to be total without going on to, we presume, marriage and further child bearing. Did Joseph marry her whilst pregnant with Jesus? What would she have told her family and her community about her eldest son? It is an interesting scenario.
Actually, a question to consider is, why didn't she remain a virgin? After the incredible experience of bringing forth God Himself, it would have been logical.
It's worth shining a light on this. She was the most important woman who ever lived. The vessel by which Jesus came into this world. You might imagine her fulfillment to be total without going on to, we presume, marriage and further child bearing. Did Joseph marry her whilst pregnant with Jesus? What would she have told her family and her community about her eldest son? It is an interesting scenario.
My Reformed church for instance subscribes to the Second Helvetic Confession, which states that Jesus was born of the ever virgin Mary. You can search it.
And the brothers and sisters of Jesus could be cousins or siblings from previous marriage of Joseph. The Greek word for brother was used for cousins too, and this wouldnt be strange in ancient Israel since families were very tight knit there.
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