File:2003-E Shanks Witherington.jpg

Rev.ed. (2009)

{en} The Brother of Jesus: The Dramatic Story & Meaning of the First Archaeological Link to Jesus & His Family (2003) is a book by Hershel Shanks and Ben Witherington.

Abstract

The volume illustrated as authentic the discovery of a limestone burial box with the inscription, "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus," which would later be exposed as a fake.

"The first definitive account of what scholars and the media are calling 'the most important archaeological discovery' about Jesus and his family. This is the definitive story of the recent discovery of the first–century ossuary (limestone bone box) with the legend 'James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus', and its implications for understanding Jesus, his family (mother, father, brothers), his followers, the first Christians and the Jewish Christian movement in Jerusalem that James led. This ossuary is the first ever archaeological discovery directly confirming the existence of Jesus, and his relationship to his father, Joseph, and brother, James, who became the leader of the important Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem. No one is as qualified and well connected to recount the discovery and its authentication as Hershel Shanks, whose magazine first broke the story."--Publisher description.

"The discovery of a limestone burial box with the inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus" set the world of biblical archaeology abuzz. Could this be the first tangible proof of Jesus' existence? Hershel Shanks, celebrated for making biblical archaeology accessible to general readers, and Ben Witherington III, leading New Testament expert, reveal not only what the discovery means for understanding the Bible, but what it shows about the family of Jesus and the earliest Christians--and what it may mean for the most fundamental and deeply held beliefs of the church."--Publisher description (rev.ed.)

"The Brother of Jesus explores the discovery, analysis, and significance of the James Ossuary—an ancient burial box inscribed “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” Written by Hershel Shanks and Ben Witherington III, this volume chronicles the dramatic journey from the ossuary’s introduction to the world through scientific investigations and intense scholarly debate, particularly regarding the authenticity of the inscription and its implications. The authors combine archaeological evidence with biblical scholarship to evaluate the credibility of the find and reconstruct the life and influence of James, brother of Jesus. Examining James’s crucial role as leader of the Jerusalem church and his connections to the historical Jesus, the book considers how material evidence affects long-standing theological discussions about Jesus’s family. Presented with both rigor and accessibility, The Brother of Jesus highlights the intersection of archaeology, faith, and historical inquiry, raising new questions about the earliest days of Christianity and the enduring mystery surrounding Jesus’s closest relatives." (U-M GPT)

Editions and translations

Published in San Francisco, CA: HarperSanFrancisco, 2003; rev.ed. 2009.

Table of contents

pt. 1. The story of a remarkable discovery / Hershel Shanks -- Oh, no! -- An amazing discovery -- How could the son of God have a brother? -- Is it a fake? -- Is it the Jesus? -- Can we ignore it? -- pt. 2. The story of James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus / Ben Witherington III -- Introduction : in this end, a beginning -- From brother to follower -- From follower to head of the Jerusalem Church -- James, mediator between Jews and Gentiles -- James the sage -- The death of James -- James the legend -- Brother, cousin, or kin? -- Son of Joseph, brother of Jesus

External links

• [ Google Books]