[kosta50]

Now, who was the ONLY Apostle who wasn't martyred by execution, thus living the longest life? What a coincidence, it was John. Mary could have easily been alive and in need after all of the others were gone. It really does make sense once we break it down.

Blogger, a little history will tell you that life on earth for early Christians was not what it is to our society which is in love with the world.

Being martyred was an honor for the earliest followers of Christ. You are interpreting John's longevity as a "reprieve" and a reward. He lived that long in order to complete the Christian canon, to witness the last Revelation, to fulfill his apostolic ministry.

Your theories may be self-pleasing but they are not necessarily true just because they "make sense."

[kosta50]

Blogger, appoligies for including your name in #2412 previous post. Honest mistake.

[Forest Keeper]

FK: "Now, who was the ONLY Apostle who wasn't martyred by execution, thus living the longest life? What a coincidence, it was John. Mary could have easily been alive and in need after all of the others were gone."

FK, a little history will tell you that life on earth for early Christians was not what it is to our society which is in love with the world. Being martyred was an honor for the earliest followers of Christ. You are interpreting John's longevity as a "reprieve" and a reward.

I don't think that's really where I was going. My only point was to give one small piece of further evidence toward the consistency of the view that Jesus had half-siblings, as opposed to step-siblings or "other" cousins. I was saying that the thing about martyrs is that they're dead. :) Therefore, they cannot take care of other people to the extent a non-martyr can, etc. It's not a slam dunk by itself, just one piece that fits. That's all.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas! :)