Topical Bible: Joseph: Husband of Mary: His Genealogy

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Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus Christ, holds a significant place in the genealogical records of the New Testament. His lineage is detailed in two of the Gospels, Matthew and Luke, each providing a unique perspective on his ancestry.

Genealogy According to Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew presents Joseph's genealogy in the opening chapter, tracing his lineage through the royal line of David. This genealogy is structured to emphasize Jesus' legal right to the throne of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's descent. Matthew 1:1-16 begins with Abraham and proceeds through notable figures such as Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and King David, eventually reaching Joseph. The genealogy is divided into three sets of fourteen generations, highlighting key periods in Israel's history: from Abraham to David, from David to the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to Christ.

Matthew 1:16 states, "And Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." This passage underscores Joseph's role as the legal father of Jesus, establishing Jesus' rightful place in the Davidic line.

Genealogy According to Luke

The Gospel of Luke offers a different genealogical account in Luke 3:23-38 , which traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph back to Adam. Unlike Matthew, Luke's genealogy is presented in reverse order, beginning with Jesus and moving backward through history. This account emphasizes Jesus' connection to all humanity, highlighting His role as the Savior for both Jews and Gentiles.

Luke 3:23 notes, "Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli." This reference to Joseph as the "son of Heli" has been the subject of much scholarly discussion. One traditional interpretation suggests that Heli was Joseph's father-in-law, making this genealogy that of Mary, thereby establishing Jesus' biological connection to David through His mother.

Theological Significance

The genealogies of Joseph in Matthew and Luke serve to affirm Jesus' messianic credentials. By tracing Joseph's lineage to David, both Gospels underscore the fulfillment of the prophecies that the Messiah would come from the house of David. This connection is crucial for understanding Jesus' identity and mission as the promised King and Savior.

Furthermore, the genealogies highlight the divine orchestration of history, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving the line through which the Messiah would come. Joseph's role, though often understated, is pivotal in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, as he provides the legal and protective framework for Jesus' early life.

In summary, Joseph's genealogy as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke offers profound insights into the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and the divine nature of Jesus' mission. Through Joseph, Jesus is firmly rooted in the history and promises of Israel, while also being positioned as the Savior for all humanity.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 1:1-16
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
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Luke 3:23-38
And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
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Library

Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ
... when it fails, and we read instead: 'Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of
whom ... whoever drew up this genealogy knew that Jesus was not Joseph's son. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/matthews genealogy of jesus christ.htm

Whether Christ's Genealogy is Suitably Traced by the Evangelists?
... But Matthew says that "Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary":
whereas Luke says that Joseph was the son of Heli. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs genealogy is suitably.htm

Faustus Recurs to the Genealogical Difficulty and Insists that ...
... Joseph was not His real father; while the genealogy is brought down by the evangelist
Matthew, not to Mary, but to Joseph. First of all, the husband, as the man ...
/.../faustus recurs to the genealogical.htm

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
... Influences do not create physical bodies.] 19 And Joseph her husband, being a ... his
own reputation, and mercifully toward the reputation of Mary], and not ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ix annunciation to joseph of.htm

Whether the Mother of God was a virgin in Conceiving Christ?
... is called the father of Christ just as "he is called the husband of Mary, without
fleshly ... to Objection 2: As Jerome says on Mat.1:18: "Though Joseph was not ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the mother of god 2.htm

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah was on this Wise...
... to which, except in the words printed in italics, it is strictly parallel in
construction, reads thus: "Jacob begat Joseph, the husband of Mary, who of ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section ii the birth of.htm

Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew.
... begat Eliud; 15 and Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan
begat Jacob; 16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/iii genealogy of jesus according.htm

Whether Christ Took Flesh of the Seed of David?
... and that the genealogy is traced down to Joseph rather than to her by reason of
the dignity of the husband? ... David according to the flesh, and that Mary was His ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ took flesh of.htm

Matt. I. 17
... and ending with Joseph, he did not stop at this, but added, "Joseph the husband
of Mary;" intimating that it was for her sake he traced his genealogy also. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm

Whether Christ Should have Been Born of an Espoused virgin?
... First, because Joseph is thus a witness to Christ's ... Wherefore Ambrose says: "Her
husband is the more trustworthy ... Thus Ambrose says: "Belief in Mary's words is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ should have been.htm