Joseph, a central figure in the New Testament, is best known as the earthly husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. His life and role are primarily documented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Joseph's lineage is traced back to King David, establishing Jesus' legal right to the Davidic line, as emphasized in the genealogies presented in Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38.

Background and Lineage

Joseph was a descendant of David, which is significant in fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's lineage. Matthew 1:20 refers to him as "Joseph, son of David," highlighting his royal heritage. This connection to David is crucial in the context of messianic prophecies, as it aligns with the promise that the Messiah would come from David's line (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Role as Husband and Father

Joseph is betrothed to Mary when he learns of her miraculous pregnancy. Demonstrating his righteousness and compassion, Joseph initially plans to divorce her quietly to avoid public disgrace (Matthew 1:19). However, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-21). Joseph's obedience to this divine message underscores his faith and commitment to God's plan.

As the earthly father of Jesus, Joseph plays a protective and guiding role. He takes Mary to Bethlehem for the census, where Jesus is born (Luke 2:4-7). Following Jesus' birth, Joseph is again visited by an angel in a dream, warning him to flee to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre (Matthew 2:13-14). Joseph's prompt response ensures the safety of the young Jesus, fulfilling the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called My Son" (Matthew 2:15).

Life in Nazareth

After Herod's death, Joseph is directed by an angel to return to Israel. He settles in Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to avoid the rule of Herod's son, Archelaus (Matthew 2:19-23). This move fulfills the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene. In Nazareth, Joseph raises Jesus in a devout Jewish household, adhering to religious customs and practices, as evidenced by their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover (Luke 2:41).

Joseph's profession as a carpenter is noted in Matthew 13:55, where Jesus is referred to as "the carpenter's son." This trade would have been a humble yet respected occupation, providing for the family's needs and allowing Joseph to teach Jesus the value of hard work and craftsmanship.

Character and Legacy

Joseph's character is marked by obedience, humility, and faithfulness. His willingness to accept God's will, despite the personal and societal challenges, reflects a deep trust in divine providence. Although the Gospels do not record Joseph's words, his actions speak volumes about his integrity and dedication to his family.

Joseph's presence in the early life of Jesus is pivotal, yet he is notably absent from the narratives of Jesus' public ministry. This absence has led to the assumption that Joseph likely passed away before Jesus began His ministry. Despite this, Joseph's influence is evident in the upbringing and character of Jesus, who is described as growing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).

In Christian tradition, Joseph is venerated as a model of fatherhood and faithfulness, embodying the virtues of righteousness and obedience to God's will. His life serves as an example of quiet strength and unwavering devotion to God's plan.Luke 2:4
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Nave's Topical Index

The Third Word from the Cross
... yet comprehensive; a plain, almost legal direction, and yet overflowing with love
to both Mary and John. It is supposed that Joseph, the husband of the ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xvi the third word.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... stepsister, a daughter of Anna by her second husband. ... 3), the Greek (3), and
Pseudo-Joseph of Arimathea (4 ... are transported by clouds to Mary's deathbed, and in ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... and Luke are those of her husband, Joseph, there are ... Tradition has it that Joseph
died early in their ... "The blessed and ever glorious Virgin Mary, sprung from ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus.
... and soon thereafter to Joseph, the espoused husband of Mary ... of his visit to Martha
and Mary; (d) The ... Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus together took him from ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xviii from the birth.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

Index of Subjects.
... 46; form of renunciation in, [124]9; followed by Holy Communion, [125]10; baptized,
evil lives of the ... Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary, probably died ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/index of subjects.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Joseph, an example of forgiveness, [967]381, of self-denial, [968]505; a type of
Christ, [969]505. Joseph, the husband of Mary, genealogy of, why traced ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Joppa, harbour of, i.117. Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary, his genealogy,
i.149; ... visits Elizabeth, 152; Mary's hymn, 153; is married to Joseph, 154-156; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... Her husband was away in the fields when they started on ... aloud to him his ancestry
and also Mary's: he did ... Joseph came rather late to the tax office, but was ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... robe on; he seemed to me to be Anna's present husband. ... temple where the idol had
fallen, and Joseph arranged it as ... Family in the city of On, and Mary had done ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

What can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.org

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Joseph: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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