Endnote 1 – Can Scholars Take the Virgin Birth Seriously?
Although the “virgin birth” of Jesus is the phrase typically used, it might be more descriptive to speak of the “virgin conception.” In any event, Mary apparently later conceived other children in the usual manner. Matthew tells us that Joseph “knew her not until she had born a son” (2:25), implying later sexual experience. Mark and Matthew (who is indebted to Mark) name four of Jesus’ brothers, and list an unspecified number of sisters (Mark 6:3; Matthew 13:55, 56).