Who was Matthew’s sister in the Bible has been a topic of much speculation and curiosity among scholars and readers alike. Despite the numerous biblical references to the apostle Matthew and his family, the identity of his sister remains a mystery. This article aims to explore the available information and delve into the possible candidates for Matthew’s sister in the biblical narrative.
The Gospel of Matthew, which is the first book of the New Testament, provides limited information about the apostle’s family. The Gospel opens with a genealogy tracing Matthew’s lineage back to Abraham, but it does not mention any siblings. However, there are several instances where the mention of other family members can be found, which may hint at the possibility of a sister.
One such instance is found in the Gospel of Luke, where it is mentioned that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had other children besides Jesus. Luke 8:19 states, “His mother and his brothers came to him, and they could not get near him because of the crowd. And he was told, ‘Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.'” This verse suggests that Mary had at least one other child, which could be Matthew’s sister.
Another possible clue is found in the Book of John, where it is mentioned that Jesus had a sister named Mary. John 19:25-27 recounts the events of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, and it states, “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her to his own home.” This passage implies that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had a sister named Mary, who could potentially be Matthew’s sister.
However, it is important to note that these references are not definitive proof of Matthew’s sister. The biblical text does not explicitly state that these Marys are related to Matthew, and it is possible that they are coincidental or have different identities. Furthermore, the New Testament is primarily focused on the life and teachings of Jesus, and the details of the apostles’ personal lives are often omitted.
In conclusion, while the question of who was Matthew’s sister in the Bible remains unanswered, the available information suggests that there may have been a Mary who could be his sister. However, without concrete evidence, it is impossible to say for certain. The mystery of Matthew’s sister continues to be a topic of intrigue and speculation among biblical scholars and enthusiasts.
