Adelphos is obviously capable of a wide semantic range. It’s etymology does not prevent metaphorical uses. The context of the passages in Mark and Luke under discussion provide sufficient context to eliminate metaphor in those cases. If you or your EO friends or anyone else disagrees with that, you are welcome to do so. I further invite you to present substantive arguments, as opposed to bare appeals to your preferred authority of the moment. And I invite the reader to make up their own mind.
Peace,
SR
Thank you for confirming in a straightforward manner that a "brother" or "sister" of Messiah Jesus need not be a physical descendant of blessed Miriam/Mary.
I understand the difference in interpretations; one relies on a continual reappraisal of discovered manuscripts, the study of unused or modified languages, and each individual's interpretation of such in the light of their own faith and intellect; continuously reforming and refining the faith once delivered to the saints, grasping to finally discover the real and final truth.
The other approach is to believe, as a little child, that the Messiah founded one holy catholic apostolic church and it has not failed, but has continually been historically present across the world from the First Century until now. The historical evidence in the posted article is compelling and reassuring that the line of my brothers and sisters goes back to the beginning.
As to the former approach, consider the transition from Independent Fundamental Baptist to Reformed Baptist. I have read that IFBs consider the fountain of their provenance to be John the Baptist, so to speak. Reformed Baptists must needs abandon that as a myth and look to a French lawyer, so to speak, for their definitive theology. But wait; there are so many divergent strains, with very little unity, that it tends to whatever a strong man may command it by force of will, intellect, language, and personal faith.