Good Morning! I enjoyed reading your article on James. A learned friend of mine told me that James was the OLDER brother of Jesus. This would indicate that Joseph must have been married previously to fathering Jesus. Is this supported in scripture? He sites the book, “The Rabbi Jesus.” I read the book as well and the author did say this, but I can’t find where it says this in the Bible. Thanks for your help and God bless you. Larry Schneiderman, Minnesota
The reason that you cannot find biblical references to Joseph’s prior marriage or James being the older brother of Jesus is because nothing appears in the Bible to substantiate either claim. Likewise, the reason that the book to which you refer does not cite biblical references for its claims is that there is no Bible for such presumptuous statements. When it comes to religious matters, one is not as “learned” as he needs to be unless he resorts to God’s Word and recognizes it as the only authority in religion. “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men…” (1 Corinthians 3:18-21; see also 1 Corinthians 1:18-31).
