According to some ancient traditions, John the Apostle and James, both prominent figures among Jesus' disciples, were his cousins. This familial connection stems from the belief that their mother, Salome, was a sister of Mary, Jesus' mother.
The Tradition of Jesus' Cousins
While the New Testament does not explicitly detail the exact familial relationship between Mary and Salome, the tradition that Salome was Mary's sister has been maintained through various Christian historical accounts. If this tradition is accurate, it would make Salome Jesus' aunt, and consequently, her sons would be Jesus' cousins.
- John the Apostle: Often referred to as John the Evangelist, he is credited with authoring the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. He was one of the twelve apostles and was known for being particularly close to Jesus. You can find more information about him on John the Apostle - Wikipedia.
- James: Typically identified as James the Greater, he was also one of the twelve apostles and the brother of John. Along with Peter and John, James formed an inner circle of disciples who witnessed significant events in Jesus' ministry.
| Individual | Relationship to Jesus | Basis of Relationship (Tradition) |
|---|---|---|
| John the Apostle | Cousin | Son of Salome, believed to be Mary's sister |
| James | Cousin | Son of Salome, believed to be Mary's sister |
Significance of the Relationship
These traditional family ties highlight the deeply personal and interwoven nature of Jesus' early ministry. If John and James were indeed his cousins, it would mean that two of his most devoted and influential apostles were also part of his extended family, emphasizing the close bonds among the foundational members of the Christian faith. This familial proximity could have played a role in their early commitment and enduring loyalty to Jesus' teachings and mission.
