Mark 6:3

The carpenter. Matthew reads, “the carpenter’s son” (ch. 13:55). Although in idiomatic Hebrew and Aramaic usage the expression “the carpenter’s son” may be no more than a circumlocution for “the carpenter,” there seems no reason to doubt that Joseph had been a carpenter by trade, and that prior to the time He took up His lifework, Jesus followed that trade (cf. DA 109). This, indeed, is one of the few NT side lights on Christ’s life between His childhood visit to the Temple and His baptism (see on Luke 2:51,52).

Son of Mary. The fact that Jesus is here referred to as the “son of Mary” rather than as the “son of Joseph” strongly implies that Joseph was dead (cf. DA 109). Concerning Joseph as the “father” of Jesus see on Matt. 1:21; Luke 2:33.

Brother of James. As to Jesus’ brothers, see on Matt. 1:18, 25; 12:46. Many have confused this James with James the son of Alphaeus, usually because of the garbled records of the early Church Fathers, or their own conclusions based on Gal. 1:19 and 2:9. The only certain mention of this James after the conversion of Jesus’ brothers (see Acts 1:14; cf. John 7:5) is in Gal. 1:19, possibly also Jude 1. James “the Lord’s brother” should not be confused with James the son of Alphaeus (see on Mark 3:18).

Juda. Probably the writer of the epistle of Jude, for he is identified as the “brother” of James, the only individual in the NT named Jude (or Juda) of whom such an identification is certain (see Jude 1; see on Mark 3:18).

His sisters. The plural indicates at least two, and leaves open the possibility of more.

Were offended. Gr. skandalizo, literally, “were tripped up” (see on Matt. 5:29).