Image of Jesus and Apostle James (Photo : www.mirror.co.uk)
Ben Witherington, a biblical scholar and an American New Testament expert, has again sparked controversy on the speculation that Jesus Christ had a brother. Witherington also has stood his ground on the controversial archaeological discovery, Mirror reported.
The controversial discovery is dated back in November 2002 when a 2,000-year-old bone box with the Aramaic inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus," that seems to back-up the Biblical references to James was earthed by archeologist.
After the discovery, the interpretations on the word "brother" have been the topic of discussion between experts around the world if James could have been Jesus' own brother or cousin.
However, with Witherington's recent interview with CNN, The professor at the Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky has been firm in his claims that what is transcribed on the bone box should be taken literally.
Yahoo also added that the professor mentioned during the interview that the New Testament says nothing about Mary being a virgin, it only says the Virgin Mary has conceived Jesus virginally and it clearly states that she went on to have more children after that, and Jesus' brothers and sisters are in fact his own brothers and sisters.
Witherington also cited the Apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians where he said "Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him 15 days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord's brother."
