'Brethren' in the Bible

For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.

Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;

Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church.