As a domain expert in religious studies and history, I can provide an in-depth analysis of the question concerning the cousin of Jesus. The question touches upon the complex family relationships as depicted in the New Testament and interpreted by early Christian scholars. It's important to approach this subject with a critical eye, considering the historical context and the various perspectives that have been offered over the centuries.

Step 1: English Answer

The question of who is the cousin of Jesus is one that has been the subject of theological debate and scholarly inquiry for centuries. The New Testament itself does not provide a clear genealogical chart, and the terms used to describe relationships can be ambiguous. The term "brothers" of Jesus, for instance, has been interpreted in different ways by different scholars and theologians.

One perspective, as mentioned in your reference, comes from Jerome, a significant figure in the history of the early church. Jerome, who was a Christian priest and a scholar, believed that the "brothers" of the Lord were in fact Jesus' cousins. This view was part of an effort to uphold the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, Jesus' mother. According to this doctrine, Mary remained a virgin her entire life, which would mean that the "brothers" could not be her biological sons.

Jerome identified James "the brother of the Lord" (Galatians 1:19) as James, the son of Alphaeus, who is listed among the Twelve Apostles in the New Testament. This James is also associated with the name "James the Just," and he is sometimes considered the leader of the Jerusalem church in the early Christian community. The identification of James as the son of Alphaeus connects him to Mary Cleophas, making him a cousin of Jesus through their mothers, who were sisters.

However, it's important to note that not all scholars agree with Jerome's interpretation. Some argue that the term "brother" could be used in a broader sense in the ancient world to refer to close relatives, not necessarily direct siblings. Others suggest that the "brothers" of Jesus were indeed his stepbrothers, the children of Joseph from a previous relationship, which would not require the doctrine of Mary's perpetual virginity to be compromised.

The debate is further complicated by the fact that the New Testament does not provide a definitive answer, and the genealogical details are often left to interpretation. It's also worth mentioning that the cultural and linguistic context of the time could influence how these terms were used and understood.

In conclusion, while Jerome's view that James "the brother of the Lord" was a cousin of Jesus through their mothers has its historical and theological basis, it is not the only perspective, and the question remains a subject of scholarly debate. The New Testament's ambiguity on the matter leaves room for various interpretations, and the historical context must be taken into account when considering these familial relationships.

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Jerome believed that the "brothers" of the Lord were Jesus' cousins, thus amplifying the doctrine of perpetual virginity. Jerome concluded that James "the brother of the Lord", (Galatians 1:19) is therefore James, son of Alphaeus, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and the son of Mary Cleophas.read more >>