The Four Marys: Untangling Relationships in the Gospels

The Gospels mention several women named Mary, and distinguishing between them can be challenging. A fragment attributed to Papias, preserved in a medieval dictionary, attempts to clarify these relationships. Let's examine this historical effort to identify the "Four Marys" present in the Gospels and the kinship connections described.

Identifying the Four Marys

According to the fragment, there are four distinct Marys mentioned in the Gospels (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt):

1. Mary the mother of the Lord.
2. Mary the wife of Cleophas or Alphæus, who was the mother of James the bishop and apostle, and of Simon and Thaddeus, and of one Joseph.
3. Mary Salome, wife of Zebedee, mother of John the evangelist and James.
4. Mary Magdalene.

This list provides a foundational understanding of the different Marys and their immediate family connections as understood in early Christian tradition.

Unraveling Family Ties

The fragment goes on to suggest some familial relationships between these women and Jesus (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt):

• James, Judas, and Joseph are identified as sons of an aunt of the Lord's, specifically Mary the wife of Cleophas or Alphæus.
• James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are also sons of another aunt of the Lord's, Mary Salome.
• Mary (wife of Alphæus) is identified as the sister of Mary, the mother of the Lord. The text notes that she is sometimes called "of Cleophas," possibly from her father, family clan, or another unknown reason.

This interpretation implies that Jesus had cousins among the apostles, which adds an interesting dimension to their relationship. It's important to note that the term "brother" and "sister" could also refer to cousins or other close relatives in ancient times.

Ambiguities and Alternate Interpretations

The passage also addresses ambiguities surrounding Mary Salome (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt):

• She is called Salome either from her husband or her village.
• Some believed that she is the same as Mary of Cleophas, because she had two husbands.

These alternate interpretations highlight the challenges in harmonizing different accounts and traditions regarding these women. The possibility of Mary Salome being the same person as Mary of Cleophas, having remarried, is considered, although not definitively confirmed.

Conclusion

The fragment attributed to Papias provides a valuable glimpse into early attempts to reconcile and harmonize the Gospel accounts regarding the women named Mary. While some of the proposed relationships may be subject to debate, this historical perspective offers insight into how early Christians understood and interpreted these key figures in the narrative of Jesus' life. The distinctions and connections outlined in the fragment provide a framework for further study and reflection on the roles of these women in the Gospels.