Bible Figure
Simon, brother of Jesus
brother of Jesus in the New Testament
Simon was one of the brothers of Jesus named in the New Testament. The Gospels list him with James, Joseph/Joses, and Judas/Jude when people in Jesus' hometown express surprise at Jesus' teaching and works. Scripture provides no independent narrative of Simon's life.
Biography
Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3 name Simon among Jesus' brothers. These passages occur when people familiar with Jesus' family question how someone they knew as the carpenter or carpenter's son could possess such wisdom and perform mighty works. The Gospels also mention Jesus' brothers collectively, at one stage indicating that they did not believe in Him. After the resurrection, Acts 1:14 places Jesus' brothers with the disciples in prayer, and Paul later refers to the Lord's brothers in the early church. Scripture does not single Simon out in these later passages, so details about his ministry, office, travels, or death cannot be established from the New Testament.
Biblical Significance
Simon is significant chiefly as a member of Jesus' earthly family. The movement of Jesus' brothers from misunderstanding or unbelief during His ministry to association with the post-resurrection community illustrates the transforming effect of the resurrection witness, though Scripture does not describe Simon's individual path in detail.