Q&A 0254 – What was the size of Jesus’ family?

I am wondering what the size of Jesus' family was. I know he had brothers. Did he have sisters?

According to the New Testament, Jesus came from a family of at least ten (Matthew 13:55-56). This passage names his four brothers, and then mentions "all his sisters." This phrase implies he had at least three, doesn't it? So here's how I figure the tally at ten or more family members:
* Jesus -- 1
* His brothers -- 4
* His sisters -- 3+
* Joseph and Mary -- 2
* Total -- 10+.

I am aware that millions of churchgoers believe Mary bore only one child, Jesus. They teach that it would have somehow compromised her holiness if she had ever had sexual relations with a man. Yet the plain teaching of the Bible is that Mary had many other children. In fact, the doctrine of the "perpetual virginity" of Mary is actually shattered in the very first chapter of the New Testament (Matthew 1:25)! If you were raised believing in the "perpetual virginity" of Mary, you don't have to read very far into the New Testament before scripture itself confronts this misguided notion.

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