Ben C Smith

I suggested a simple pattern (James and Joses, Joses alone, James alone). But the avoidance of favoritism may have something to do with it; if the readers knew both kids, then maybe Mark was just playing fair between them.

But, if all that fails to float your boat, then I say, with Crossan, I have no idea.

Ben.

Ben C Smith

The governor (of Syria) may possibly be relevant to the centurion in the gospel of Peter. At least, some have suggested a connection.

Ben.

thentian

Hmn... I read up on him but I think it is doubtful. My understanding is that one would need strong connections in Rome to secure a governorship, which is not suggested if you start out as a humble centurion.

A better lead is probably one L. Petronius L. who served with Legio X Fretensis at roughly the correct time. That's the legion that occupied Jerusalem after the war and they were stationed in Syria before that. I think it is just about possible that he was detached to Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion.

I found this info on a kind of Roman Army fansite (romanarmy.com), but they seem to have done marvellous work collecting historical facts. The reference is a bit hard to understand, though. Here's how it looks under "centuriones":

L. Petronius L. f. Pup. Sabinus Foro Brent., XI 6055

But, If I can't figure ot out I'll try sending them an email!

Cheers!

aa5874

How could mentioning James and Joses alone avoid favoritism when the author implied by a question that Mary had other sons and daugthers.

Mark 6.3 What happened to Jesus, Juda and Simon and the sisters?

The avoiding of favoritism idea is not a good idea.

Ben C Smith

It is if James and Joses are the only siblings that the Marcan readership actually knew.

Ben.

aa5874

And what if they didn't?

Chili

Jesus was not a carpenter or he'd be a sinner. He is the carpenter's son of Mary.

I like your take on this topic and Jesus was not the son of Mary. Christ was and Jesus was the imposter to be crucified. Mark knows (inspired) and can not make bold statements that will snare him by those in the know.

Petergdi

I like that as a possible solution.

I think Mark 3:35 may explain why no one is actually directly identified by Mark as
a relative of Jesus: "whoever does the will of God is my brother, sister and mother"

So perhaps Mark is keeping this saying in mind when he identifies Jesus' mother
as the mother of James, Joses or both.

Peter.

Ben C Smith

Then, as I stated, I have no idea.

Ben.

Ben C Smith

That is certainly worth pursuing. Mark definitely has motive to suppress familial ties, at least to a certain extent.

Ben.