Topical Encyclopedia Heli is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. He is identified as the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The reference to Heli is found in Luke 3:23, which states, "Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli."Genealogical Context The genealogy presented in the Gospel of Luke traces the lineage of Jesus through Mary, His mother, and is distinct from the genealogy found in the Gospel of Matthew, which traces the lineage through Joseph, His legal father. The mention of Heli as Joseph's father in Luke's account has been a subject of discussion among biblical scholars and theologians. It is generally understood that Heli is the maternal grandfather of Jesus, making Joseph his son-in-law. This interpretation aligns with the Jewish custom of levirate marriage and the legal reckoning of lineage through both paternal and maternal lines. Cultural and Historical Background In the Jewish tradition, genealogies were of great importance, serving to establish identity, inheritance rights, and tribal affiliation. The inclusion of Heli in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's descent from the house of David. While Matthew's genealogy emphasizes Jesus' legal right to the throne of David through Joseph, Luke's genealogy highlights His biological connection to David through Mary, thus affirming His rightful claim as the promised Messiah. Theological Significance The mention of Heli in the genealogy of Jesus serves to affirm the dual nature of Christ's lineage—both legal and biological. This duality is significant in understanding the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. By tracing Jesus' lineage through Heli, Luke emphasizes the humanity of Christ and His connection to all of humanity, while also affirming His divine mission as the Savior. Interpretative Considerations The genealogical record in Luke, including the mention of Heli, invites readers to reflect on the providential unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history. It highlights the meticulous care with which God orchestrated the lineage of His Son, ensuring that every detail aligned with His divine purposes. The inclusion of Heli, though a brief mention, is a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to Israel and to the world. In summary, Heli's role as the father of Joseph in the genealogy of Jesus underscores the intricate and divinely orchestrated lineage of the Messiah, affirming both His legal and biological claims to the throne of David and His mission as the Savior of humanity. Nave's Topical Index Luke 3:23And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli, Nave's Topical Index Library Writing iii. But in Order that what I have Said May be Made ... A Statement of the Reason Why Matthew Enumerates one Succession of ... Writing i. Africanus on the Genealogy in the Holy Gospels. ... Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists? Concerning Our Lord's Genealogy and Concerning the Holy Mother of ... The Origin of the Gospels. Of the Agreement of the Evangelists Matthew and Luke in the ... Genealogy According to Luke. Ancestors of the Blessed virgin C. The Genealogy of Jesus. Ch. 3:23-38 Resources Why are Jesus' genealogies in Matthew and Luke so different? | GotQuestions.orgDo the narratives of Jesus' birth contradict each other? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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