Who Was Jesus Father

Who Was Jesus’ Biological Father?

It is believed that Jesus Christ was born at Bethlehem, some six miles away from Jerusalem, sometime between 4 and 6 BC, according to tradition. To avoid a massacre of infant boys ordered by King Herod, his parents, Joseph and Mary, took him to Egypt. As a result of King Herod’s death, the family returned to their home in Nazareth, which is now in northern Israel. Jesus lived in Nazareth until he was about 30 years old, at which point he began traveling around the region, teaching people about God and urging them to make changes in their lives.

In addition, he was able to heal people of a wide variety of conditions.

He was followed by a large group of men and women.

It is important to note that Jesus’ teachings were revolutionary and counter-cultural.

1. Most of the Jewish religious leaders were enraged by his speech, which inspired and challenged those who heard it.
2. Around the year 30AD, Jesus was brought before a court of law and executed by crucifixion.
3. Within a few weeks of his resurrection, he appeared to more than 500 people.
4. The gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – are four books of the Bible that contain the majority of the information about the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
5. They are not included in any particular order.
6. Making an accurate chronology is impossible as a result of this.
7. Academics have attempted to reconstruct the chronology of Jesus’ life by examining ancient Greek and Roman sources as well as astronomical calendars.

out of you shall come a king who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.

It was predicted in ancient Hebrew texts that a Messiah would come to lead his people to freedom, writings that date back hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus.

out of you will come a king who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.

A one-of-a-kind conception resulted in the birth of Jesus!

As part of a census mandated by the Romans, who were in control of the region at the time, Mary and her husband, Joseph, go to Bethlehem, Joseph’s family’s hometown, to register.

Visitors to the infant pay their respects by bowed their heads in worship.

The Holy Family transports Jesus to Jerusalem, where he is presented at the temple, where they make sacrifices to God, when he is little over a month old (another tradition).

Wise men from the East have arrived in Jerusalem.

As a result of the possibility of a rival, King Herod requests the wise men to inform him if and when they locate the child.

The King of Bethlehem, Herod, is enraged and orders the execution of all boys under the age of two in Bethlehem.

Until Herod’s death, they will remain.

Jesus’ boyhood (about 8 AD) — he was left in Jerusalem.

With his parents, Jesus travels to Jerusalem for the Jewish celebration of Passover, when he is twelve years old.

They return to the location in search of the missing person.

Every everyone who heard him was astounded by his comprehension and replies, according to the Bible’s book of Luke.” At response to Mary’s question about his absence, Jesus responds, ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’ — the first evidence that he is aware of his divine nature.

1. Jesus is baptized and then tempted by the devil around the year 28 AD, approximately.
2. They are being encouraged to change their negative attitudes and behaviors.
3. He claims that he is paving the path for a bigger instructor to come along after him.
4. It seemed to be the instructor about whom John had been speaking.
5. this is the one I meant.’ says John in the Bible’s book of John.

During Jesus’ prayer, according to the Bible’s book of Matthew, “heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in physical form, like a dove.” When the voice of God spoke, it said: “You are my Son, whom I adore; you have made me very happy.” Without further ado, Jesus embarks on a 40-day fast in the Judean desert.

• The demon has been expelled from the building.
• As if by magic, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove.’ When the voice of God spoke, it said: “You are my Son, whom I adore; you have made me very happy.” Approximately 28 AD A miracle is performed by Jesus when he recruits disciples.
• James and John, two additional brothers, are recruited by him after that.
• After that, he recruits Philip and Nathanael to his cause.
• about 28 – 30 AD After that, Jesus proceeds to educate and heal people.
• He begins to instruct and heal sick individuals who come to him for treatment.
• Upon arriving in Nazareth, many threaten to toss him down a cliff because of his religious beliefs and deportation.

Eventually, Matthew, a tax collector who was detested for his collaboration with the invading Romans, joins the movement.

Jesus is now being followed by large crowds.

Healings continue in the following days and nights.

Several people are raised from the dead by Jesus, including a widow’s son and an orphaned little girl.

His teachings on the Jewish Sabbath, as well as his apparent violation of Jewish law, have enraged religious authorities worldwide.

Jesus performs a miracle by calming a raging hurricane.

Jesus begins to foretell the events leading up to his death and resurrection on the cross.

When they act hypocritically, Jesus calls them out.

The arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus took place around the spring of 30 AD.

As the long-awaited Messiah, he is greeted with rapturous applause.

Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples, agrees to betray the Lord.

On blasphemy charges, he is brought before Jewish and Roman officials.

On (Good) Friday, Jesus is crucified.

By the time his followers arrive to collect it on (Easter) Sunday, the body has vanished.

Over the course of the next six weeks, Jesus appears to his disciples as well as more than 500 additional followers. Finally, on the summit of Mount of Olives, Jesus ascends into heaven in front of his disciples and vanishes from sight.

Learn more about ancient views of conception in the BAS Library:

“Can Scholars Take the Virgin Birth Seriously?” asks J. Edward Barrett in his article. The Bible Review published an article in October 1988 titled “How Early Christians Viewed the Birth of Jesus,” by James E. Crouch, was published in the Bible Review in October 1991. “Did Sarah Have a Seminal Emission?” asks Pieter Willem van der Horst in his essay. The Bible Review published an article in February 1992 titled Become a member of the BAS Library now. If Jesus was a real person who lived in the first century, would it be feasible to recognize him from the countless stories and traditions about him that have accumulated over 2,000 years in the Bible and church teachings?

This Bible History Daily piece was first published on November 3, 2014, and has since been updated.

Like Father, like Son: Ten Ways Jesus Christ Reveals God’s Identity

When God’s people of Israel were living in the Old Testament, they were aware of God as their father, but only in a broad sense. For example, because God is the creator of all things, he might be referred to as “father.” Jesus Christ, on the other hand, exposes a whole other aspect of God’s fatherhood: he reveals, as St. Paul says, “Abba” (see Romans 8:15), which is a Syriac term that literally means “my father.” Abbai is a term that purposely conjures up images of the family, and it is a word of closeness.

Furthermore, this Abbais is not only addressing God as father in a familial and intimate manner, but it is also addressing God the Father as the First Person of the Most Holy Trinity, in the Person of God the Father.

For example, we read in John 1:18 that “no one has ever seen God; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has revealed him to us.” Another way to put it is as we read in Matthew 11:27 and Luke 10:22, “All things have been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father save the Son and anybody to whom the Son chooses to disclose him.” As a result, how does Jesus disclose the nature of God the Father to us?

Examine 10 ways (among others!) in which the revelation of Jesus invites us into the mystery of his filial connection with God the Father, as revealed by the Holy Spirit.

1.The Incarnation(John 1:1-14)

Shepherds’ adoration and veneration Matthias Stomer, around the year 1625 The Incarnation is the exterior prolonging and expansion of the Son’s procession, which is symbolized by the Virgin Mary. Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me,” as we read in John 8:42.

“I came not of my own volition, but he sent me,” Jesus said. Because of the Incarnation, the invisible Father’s justice and mercy, as well as his love and providential care for his chosen creatures, have a tangible manifestation in Christ.

2.The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple(Luke 2:41-51)

A painting by William Holman Hunt, titled The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple, dating from around 1854. “Did you not realize that I had to be in my Father’s house?” Jesus asks Mary and Joseph as they reunite after their separation. A Father who is not the same as St. Joseph himself, who is only our Lord’s foster-father, to name a few differences.

3.His Preaching(Matthew 5-7)

Carl Bloch’s Sermon on the Mount was published in 1877. According to Mark 1:14, “after John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee and preached the message of God to the people.” The Sermon on the Mount, which stresses God’s paternity, is the most well-known example of this type of teaching in the Bible. In fact, the word “Father” is used 17 times in the speech to refer to God. What is the purpose of emphasizing God’s paternity in the sermon? Why? Because Jesus is God the Son, and he is asking us to be God’s sons and daughters by calling us to be sons and daughters through him, with him, and in him.

4.His Works(John 5)

Christ Healing the Blind, by El Greco, ca. 1570 (Not alone do the teachings of Jesus bear witness to the existence of God the Father, but so do his deeds as well. All of Jesus’ deeds, including his healings, miracles, and other actions, demonstrate his magnificence as the Son of God. If I am not performing the works of my Father, then believe me; if I am doing them, even if you do not believe me, trust the works so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father, as our Lord himself says.

5.His Interior Life(Luke 3:21-22; 9:28-36)

Raphael’s The Agony in the Garden (ca. 1504) is one of the most famous paintings in the world. Our Lord shows us that his prayer is all about turning as Son to the Father, and that his petition is also all about the Father turning as well, in the form of testimony to his Son. As an example, in both the Baptism and the Transfiguration, Jesus Christ is praying, and as he is doing so, a voice from heaven declares him to be the Beloved Son of God. By joining ourselves to the internal life of Christ, we are able to penetrate the secrets of the heavenly realm.

6.The Passion(Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 13-19)

“The Crucifixion,” by Fra Angelico, ca. 1420-1423 (Nothing expresses the love of the Father more clearly than the Passion of Christ, which demonstrates that the Father’s limitless love for people extends even to his only-begotten Son. It is notably the Crucifixion that expresses the Father’s unfailing love for the world, a love that compels him to send his only begotten Son to death in order to redeem us from our sins. At the anguish of the garden, Jesus’ personal submission to the will of the Father, portrayed never more forcefully than in this moment, demonstrates his own oneness of will with the will of the Father.

7.The Church’s Great Commission(Matthew 28:16-20)

Ascension, John Singleton Copley was born in 1775. Just prior to his ascension into heaven, Jesus assigns his Catholic Church the responsibility of teaching and baptizing all peoples around the world. The baptismal ritual itself reveals to us the three individuals who make up one God: when we are baptized into Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, we are doing so in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, not only in the name of Christ.

The three persons of God are different, yet they are also consubstantial, coequal, and coeternal in their natures.

8.The Sending of the Holy Spirit(Acts 2)

C. 1268, Duccio di Buoninsegna, The Descent of the Holy Spirit Acts 2 tells the story of the first Christian Pentecost, which occurred 50 days after Easter and commemorates the establishment of the Church. Holy Spirit comes upon the faithful as the Church’s foundational gift and soul, transforming them into new creatures in Christ. And what, exactly, has this to do with God the Father? Everything, since Jesus makes it very plain that the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of the Father’s promise (see Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5).

9.The Infusion of Faith(John 3:36)

J.C. Tintoretto’s The Last Supper, around 1500 1592-1594The revelation of God the Father becomes much more personal to us as a result of the infusion of the theological virtue of faith into our intellect, which takes place between 1592 and 1594. In fact, as Christ explains in the Gospels, faith is already the beginning of eternal life: “He who believes in the Son has eternal life” (Jn 3:36). Consider the phrase “has everlasting life,” as opposed to “shall have eternal life,” yet what exactly is eternal life if not the knowledge and love of the Triune God?

⊲

10.Our Own Testimony to Christ(Matthew 10:32; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26)

Christ Carrying the Cross, by El Greco, approx. 1577–1587, is a religious painting. The perfection of the Christian life of faith, hope, and charity is found in our adherence to Christ crucified, for the savior asks that we take up our cross and follow him. “So every one who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven,” Jesus says. “So every one who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 10:32). Although these are not the only ways in which our Lord reveals the Father, these 10 methods provide a comprehensive, though quick, summary of our Lord’s revelation of the Father.

1. Jesus’ obedience to the will of Father, which culminated in his Passion, death, and resurrection on the cross, is the means by which we ourselves might be reconciled with our heavenly Father.
2. Taking a lesson with us will never be more convenient than it will be now.
3. Anyone living anywhere in Colorado can take a class, regardless of where they live.
4. Beginning on Monday, September 13, students will be in class.
5. The featured artwork is a ceiling fresco of the Holy Trinity by Gian Domenico Caresana, which was completed in 1616.

Daniel Campbell is a writer who lives in the United Kingdom. Currently, Daniel Campbell serves as Director of the Lay Division at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in New York City.

Who Was Jesus’ Biological Father?

Was JosephJesus’ biological father or stepfather? If not, who was Jesus’ biological father, and how did he come to be? The annunciation tales recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke describe how Jesus was conceived without the involvement of a human male. Ancient beliefs on the biology of conception, which were founded on Aristotelian thought, were diametrically opposed to our present knowledge of genetics and biological principles. The whole human DNA of Jesus would have been required for him to be deemed totally human by our current standards, rather than a semi-divine or exceptional entity.

God?

In his essay “How Babies Were Made in Jesus’ Time,” written by Andrew Lincoln of the University of Gloucestershire, which appears in the November/December 2014 edition of BAR, he addresses these topics.

What was the identity of Jesus’ biological father?

According to Andrew Lincoln, this issue would not have been a source of concern to an ancient audience or to the authors of the nativity accounts in Matthew and Luke because: Given the patriarchal culture in which they lived, they would have had some form of the mainstream Aristotelian theory of conception.

The female menstrual blood provides the substance for the fetus, while the womb serves as the vehicle for the semen’s nourishment and development.

In this way, the male serves as the active and efficient cause of reproduction, while the female serves as the source of the substance that the male seed defines.

For the most part, the mother provides the body material essential for the development of a human fetus, whereas the father provides the life force.

As Lincoln explains, “In terms of ancient biology, even if Jesus did not have a human father, he would have been considered to be completely human.” He was born of Mary, who gave the human material, and God provided the animating essence in this instance instead of a human father by the intervention of the divine Spirit.” The New Testament does not specify if Joseph Jesus was the biological or only the adoptive father of Jesus.

• The annunciation tales in Matthew and Luke say that Jesus was conceived without the involvement of a human father; nevertheless, later in the Gospel of Luke, Joseph is identified as Jesus’ biological father and parent (Luke 2:27, 33, 48; 4:22).
• Do these narratives conflict with the legends of the annunciation?
• Lincoln proposes an alternative solution in his article: It is his contention that understanding the genre of the Gospels might assist in making sense of this seeming discrepancy.
• In these cases, the principal individual is presented with two conception tales, one of which is normal and the other supernatural in nature.
• Certainly, Lincoln’s method is intriguing—especially when applied to the nativity accounts of Matthew and Luke.

The post Who Was Jesus’ Biological Father? appeared originally on Biblical Archaeology Society. Read more about Who Was Jesus’ Biological Father? View all of the entries in the Biblical Archaeology News and Opinion category.

What Do We Know about Jesus’ Earthly Parents: Joseph and Mary?

There are certain things that we know about Jesus’ earthly family that we would like to share with you. Joseph and Mary were the names of his parents. Joseph Joseph was Mary’s husband, but he was not the biological father of Jesus, as is often believed. This is made very apparent in the New Testament. As a result, the birth of Jesus Christ occurred as follows: His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph, but the Holy Spirit revealed to them that she was pregnant before they were able to come together to exchange vows (Matthew 1:18).

1. However, he was not in a relationship with her until she gave birth to a son.
2. In the four gospels, there are just a few facts regarding Joseph that are reported.
3. During this period, we discover that Joseph obeyed the Lord without hesitation.
4. Everyone who heard him was astonished by his grasp of the situation and his responses.
5. His mother addressed him as follows: “Why have you been treating us in this manner, son?
6. What were you thinking?
7. Jesus’ parents are mentioned in the narrative.

This is the last time we see or hear from Joseph.

He makes a point of being obvious by His absence.

No information has been provided on the circumstances of his death.

According to certain interpretations of the Bible, Joseph would not survive to witness Jesus’ public ministry in any capacity.

The child’s father and mother were taken aback by what had been stated about their son.

In addition, a sword will penetrate your own heart ” (Luke 2:33-35).

This might be a sign that Joseph would not be present to see Jesus being rejected and executed by the people whom He had come to save, as some have speculated.

The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary while she was still a virgin, informing her of the impending birth of Jesus.

And as he walked in, he said to her, “Greetings, most beloved among you!

It was the angel who spoke to her, telling her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, because you have won favor in the eyes of God.” The Lord has revealed to you that you will conceive in your womb and have a son, whom you will call Jesus.” As a result of his greatness, he will be referred to as “the Son of the Most High.” The Lord God will grant him the throne of David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for all time, and his kingdom will have no beginning or end.” “How is this possible, considering that I am a virgin?” Mary inquired of the angel.

1. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and it is for this reason that the holy child will be named the Son of God,” the angel spoke to her.
2. Mary’s Hymn is a song that she sings to herself.
3. And Mary shared her thoughts: “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, who is the only one who can save me (Luke 1:46, 47).
4. Because he has shown consideration for the plight of his bondslave, and as a result, from this day forward, all generations will consider me blessed (Luke 1:48).
5. Mary is in attendance at the location of Jesus’ first miracle.
6. The wedding was attended by Jesus’ mother, as well as Jesus and his followers, who had been invited as well.
7. “I have not reached the end of my time.” His mother addressed the servants by saying, “Follow his instructions to the letter (John 2:1-5).

There is a story about Mary spending time with Jesus’ brothers and sisters in the Bible.

It’s probable that Jesus’ family, rather than the rest of the throng, was the ones who believed that Jesus was misguided.

Then came Jesus’ mother and brothers to the scene.

A large group of people had gathered around him, and they informed him that his mother and brothers were waiting outside for him.

His next words were directed toward his audience, who were sitting in a circle around him “My mother and brothers are shown here!

Mary was present during the Crucifixion, according to tradition.

Near the crucifixion of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene, all of whom were mourning for him.

After Jesus’ ascension, she was in the Upper Room with the disciples.

The men and women gathered together in prayer on a consistent basis, as did the ladies and Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as Jesus’ brothers (Acts 1:14).

In the New Testament, Mary is never mentioned again beyond this point in time.

There are numerous fanciful stories about Mary Arose.

The only details we have regarding their lives that we can be confident of are those that are described in the Book of Revelation.

Mary was the name of his mother’s maiden name.

Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, but he was adopted by the family after His birth.

Joseph appears solely in the stories of Jesus’ birth, escape to Egypt, and return from Egypt, and then very briefly.

We have no information on the circumstances surrounding Joseph’s death.

He was absent from the scene when Jesus began His public ministry.

When the angel revealed to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah, she was still a virgin to the world.

There are just a handful additional situations where she is referenced.

Mary is also there with Jesus’ brothers and sisters when they seek to talk with Him in private, away from the rest of the group of people.

Following the death of Jesus, she was carried into the house of the Apostle John, who raised her. Until just before Pentecost, the only other time she is mentioned in the New Testament, when she is with the other twelve disciples.

Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus Christ and the spouse of the Virgin Mary, according to the gospels of Matthew and Luke, who first mentioned him in the book of Matthew.

Who Was Saint Joseph?

Saint Joseph is a biblical person who is revered as a saint in various Christian denominations, and who is widely considered to have been the bodily father of Jesus Christ. The names Joseph and Luke are first mentioned together in the Bible’s gospels of Matthew and Luke; in Matthew, Joseph’s ancestry may be traced back to King David. According to the Bible, Joseph was born in 100 B.C.E. and subsequently married the Virgin Mary, who was to become the mother of Jesus. He died in Israel about the year 1 A.D.

Fact and Fiction

Almost all we know about Saint Joseph, Mary’s husband and the foster father of Jesus, comes from the Bible, and the few times he is mentioned, it isn’t particularly impressive. The 13 New Testament books authored by Paul (the epistles) contain no mention of him at all, and the Gospel of Mark, the earliest of the four Gospels, makes no mention of him at all. To compound the problem of not knowing enough about Joseph, some apocryphal writings — such as the second-centuryProtevangelium of James and the fourth-centuryHistory of Joseph the Carpenter— muddy the historical waters even further, portraying him as a widower with children when he met Mary and claiming that he lived to the age of 111.

Marriage to Mary

As soon as Joseph discovered that Mary was already pregnant, he chose to divorce her privately, knowing that if he did so openly, she would be stoned to death (Matt. 1:19). Because he was “a kind man and hesitant to put her to disgrace,” he did not want to “bring her to shame.” An angel, on the other hand, appeared to Joseph and informed him that the child Mary was carrying was the son of God and had been conceived by the Holy Spirit, and as a result, Joseph decided to keep Mary as his wife. Joseph was visited by an angel again after Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, this time to warn him and Mary of the impending bloodshed brought on by King Herod of Judaea against the infant.

Joseph again fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus.

Because Joseph is described as a “tekton,” which historically meant “carpenter,” it is likely that he taught Jesus his trade when he was in Nazareth, according to the Gospels.

Death and Sainthood

Joseph’s death is not known, however it is likely that he died before Jesus’ career began, and it is inferred that he died before Jesus was crucified (John 19:26-27).

Joseph was already the patron saint of Mexico, Canada, and Belgium when Pope Pius IX named him the patron saint of the worldwide church in 1870. Pope Pius XII declared May 1 as “Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker” in 1955, in response to the Communists’ May Day celebrations in the United States.

Fact Check

We aim for accuracy and fairness in all we do. If you see something that doesn’t appear to be quite right, please let us know!

Who was Joseph, the father of Jesus?

QuestionAnswer Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was born into a royal family. It is recorded that Joseph was a descendant of King David, that he resided in Nazareth in Galilee, and that he was committed to be married to Mary, the virgin who gave birth to Jesus (Luke 1:27). Mary, according to the Bible, got pregnant by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18), not through Joseph, as is often believed. Because of this, Joseph might be considered Jesus’ earthly, adopted father, but not as His biological father, as previously stated.

• However, based on the little views we have into his character, we may deduce that he was a modest guy who was profoundly concerned about obeying God.
• An angel of the Lord came to Joseph and encouraged him to be brave in his decision to accept Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:24–25).
• Later in the Gospel of Matthew, an angel appears to Joseph and instructs him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt because King Herod had planned to assassinate the infant Jesus.
• An angel visits to Joseph again after Herod’s death, this time commanding him to return to Israel, which he dutifully does (Matthew 2:19).
• In addition, the Bible teaches that Joseph was a gentle and self-sacrificing individual.
• In addition, following their marriage, Joseph did not have sexual relations with Mary until after Jesus was born (Matthew 1:25); in this way, Joseph preserved the legitimacy of the virgin birth of Jesus.
• Jesus was taken to Jerusalem by Joseph and Mary forty days after his birth, as required by the Law of Moses (Luke 2:22–24).

Joseph’s dedication to following the Torah is demonstrated again again by the following incident: “Every year, Jesus’ parents traveled to Jerusalem to celebratethe Feast of the Passover” (Luke 2:41).

Upon realizing Jesus was not with their caravan to Galilee, Mary and Joseph looked for him for three days “anxiously,” and eventually found him seated among several professors of the law (Luke 2:48).

(see Luke 3:23).

However, Joseph’s exact job may have been, it is clear that he worked hard to provide for his family while also doing everything in his power to assist Jesus develop in knowledge and stature (Luke 2:52).

Many people assume that Joseph died somewhere between the time when Jesus was a little child (Luke 2:42) and the time when He began His public ministry as an adult because of the absence of Joseph from the narrative of Jesus’ career (Luke 3:23).

However, despite the fact that the Bible does not provide many specifics about Joseph as a person—and that the Bible does not record any actual words that Joseph spoke—we know enough about him to conclude that he was a modest man who faithfully obeyed God, honored others, accepted responsibility, and worked hard to provide for his family.

All of these are holy attributes that we should strive to embody ourselves. Questions about Biblical Characters Return to: Questions about Biblical Characters What was the identity of Joseph, the father of Jesus?

Subscribe to the

Get our Question of the Week emailed to your inbox every weekday morning! Got Questions Ministries is a trademark of Got Questions Ministries, Inc., registered in the state of California in the year 2002. All intellectual property rights are retained. Policy Regarding Personal Information The information on this page was last updated on January 4, 2022.

Who was Jesus’ biological father? How did His mother Mary die? When? Where?

Q. Who was the biological father of Jesus? What caused His mother Mary’s death? When and where are they taking place? Christians believe that Jesus was not born of a biological mother and father. His mother Mary, on the other hand, was still a virgin when she became pregnant with him. This was a miracle, and it is still unclear how it was accomplished in the first place. Indeed, the angel who talked to Mary about it characterized the event in the following way: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” In other words, this is a mystery of faith in which Christians believe and accept by faith.

• The Rev.
• Christopher R.
• For the past twenty-five years, he has been involved in parish and student ministry.
• His Understanding the Books of the Bible study guide series is based on this structure, as is his Understanding the Books of the Bible blog.
• Harvard University awarded him a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature and Language in addition to a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell.
• in the History of Christian Life and Thought, with a minor concentration in Biblical Studies, from Boston College, which is affiliated with Andover Newton Theological School.

Why Joseph Was Chosen as the Earthly Father of Jesus

Joseph was chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, the Bible teaches us that Joseph was a good man who served God. Because of the way he treated his fiancee, Mary, it became clear that he was a kind and sensitive individual. When Mary informed Joseph that she was expecting a child, he had every reason to feel humiliated. He was well aware that the kid was not his his, and Mary’s apparent unfaithfulness had a negative societal stigma attached to it. Not only did Joseph have the authority to divorce Mary, but he also had the authority to stone her to death under Jewish law.

1. To avoid further embarrassment, he chose a low-key approach rather than speaking out.
2. The fact that Joseph would be publicly humiliated did not deter him from following God’s commands.
3. The Bible does not provide much information on Joseph’s role as the father of Jesus Christ, but we do know from Matthew, chapter one, that he was a good earthly example of integrity and morality for all of humanity.
4. We know that he passed on the carpentry trade to his son and that he instilled in him a respect for Jewish traditions and spiritual observances during his childhood.

Until then, he supported Mary and his younger brothers and sisters by working as a carpenter, a profession that Joseph had taught him when they were children. In addition to his love and instruction, Joseph provided Jesus with a valuable career that enabled him to survive in a difficult environment.

Joseph’s Accomplishments

Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus, the man who was charged with the responsibility of raising theSon of God. As an additional talent, Joseph was a carpenter or skillful artisan. He obeyed God despite the fact that he was being severely humiliated. He did the right thing in front of God, and he did it in the proper manner.

Strengths

Joseph was a man of strong convictions who demonstrated his convictions via his deeds. In the Bible, he is depicted as a just and upright man. Even when personally offended, he possessed the characteristic of being sympathetic to someone else’s shame. He replied to God in obedience and he exhibited self-control. Joseph serves as a good biblical example of honesty and noble character, and he deserves to be celebrated.

Life Lessons

With this immense duty, God demonstrated his respect for Joseph’s character and honesty. It is difficult to place your children in the care of someone else. Consider the possibility of God gazing down and selecting a man to raise his own son. Joseph had God’s confidence in him. Mercy is always victorious. When Mary’s apparent indiscretion was brought to his attention, Joseph might have reacted harshly, but he decided to show compassion and mercy instead, even though he believed he had been mistreated.

We are led and guided by God when we follow his commands, even in the face of difficulty and public disgrace.

Hometown

Nazareth is in Galilee, and he was born at Bethlehem.

References to Joseph in the Bible

Matthew 1:16-2:23 and Luke 1:22-2:52 are two examples of biblical quotations.

Occupation

Carpenter and craftsman are both terms that refer to the same person.

Family Tree

Mary is the wife of Jesus, and the children are Jesus, James, Joses, Judas, Simon, and their daughters. The names of Joseph’s forefathers and foremothers are recorded in Matthew 1:17 and Luke 3:23-37.

Key Verses

Matthew 1:19-20 (New International Version) The reason for this was that Joseph was a kind guy who did not want to bring her into disgrace in front of the world, and so he planned to divorce her privately. However, after he had given this some thought, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be frightened to take Mary home as your wife for what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (NIV) Luke 2:39-40 (KJV) Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth in Galilee after completing all of the requirements of the Law of the Lord in their home town.

(NIV)

Key Takeaways

• Beyond providing for Jesus’ needs from infancy, Joseph most likely enrolled him in Nazareth’s synagogue school, where he learned to read and was instructed in the Scriptures, according to tradition. It was because of Joseph’s physical strength that Jesus survived the treacherous voyage from Palestine to Egypt, which saved him from being killed by Herod’s soldiers. This care helped prepare Jesus for his earthly career. While there, Joseph’s carpentry abilities were most likely put to use to support his family
• Without a doubt, Joseph’s most distinguishing characteristic was his righteousness. He put his confidence in God, and God, in turn, placed his trust in him with His preciousSon. Despite the fact that he did not always know the facts, Joseph moved in faith, trusting that God would guide him to the next step.

Who Was Jesus’ Grandfather?

When we encounter apparent conflicts in God’s word and are unable to perceive an instant solution, we may begin to have doubts about it. For example, what was the name of Jesus’ paternal grandfather? It is known that, despite the fact that Jesus was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:34f), his earthly, legal father was Joseph, according to Scripture. However, Luke claims that Joseph is the son of Heli (3:23), whilst Matthew claims that he was the son of Jacob (Matthew 1:18). (1:16).

• Gresham Machen is one of the most effective solutions for this condition (New York: Harper Brothers, 1930).
• 206.) “The Lucan genealogy, in other words, begins with the query, ‘Who was Josheph’s “father?”,” he continues.
• In the Matthean genealogy, on the other hand, we begin with the query, ‘Who was David’s heir?’ and work our way down from there.
• (See p.
• Take, for example, the passages in Luke 3:31 and Matthew 1:6 which state that Nathan is David’s son and David was the father ofSolomon respectively.
• However, only Solomon was the legitimate successor to the kingdom (1 Kings 1:13).
• The fact that the genealogy in Luke begins at the end and goes backward, but the genealogy in Matthew begins at the beginning, demonstrates that this interpretation of the purpose and meaning of each genealogy is right.
• It seemed only reasonable, however, to begin with David and work my way down the line since the aim was to acknowledge the successive heirs of the Davidic dynasty.

(See p. 207 for further information.) What, then, took place in the generations leading up to Jesus’ birth and death? Here’s an example of a probable scenario. Since the true facts are concealed from us, all we can do is suggest reasonable answers in the absence of any other options.

Matthew’s genealogy	Luke’s genealogy
EleazarMatthanJacobJoseph	LeviMatthatHeliJoseph

Assume that Eleazar, the legitimate successor to David’s throne, died without leaving a widow or a son to succeed him. Traditionally, a more or less near relative would be considered as his legal descendent and be referred to as having been “conceived” by him, if the relationship was close enough. Consider the possibility that Matthan is that relative and that he is the same person as Matthat (in Luke), but with a different spelling. That would imply that Jacob and Heli are blood brothers of some sort.

Because of a custom known as Levirate marriage (see Matthew 22:25), it is expected that the brother of a deceased man will marry and have children in order to perpetuate the name of his brother.

As a result, Joseph is not only the legal heir through Jacob’s line, but he is also the biological son of Heli.

Pastor John is a charismatic leader who is well-liked and well-liked by his congregation.

Should We Call Joseph the Father of Jesus?

There are a variety of viewpoints about Joseph’s relationship to Jesus in today’s world. Here are a few examples you may be familiar with:

• Joseph was possibly the biological father of Jesus, but the Gospels deny this, claiming that Jesus was the product of a virgin birth, making him more than a man
• Jesus was actually the product of a rape, and Joseph stepped up to the plate and assisted Mary and her child
• Joseph was possibly the biological father of Jesus, but the Gospels deny this, claiming that Jesus was the product of a virgin birth, making him more than a man
• As a result, Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, who was born to the Virgin Mary via a supernatural overshadowing of the Holy Spirit
• Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus since Jesus did not have a biological father

So, what is the truth in this case? Is it accurate to refer to Joseph as the father of Jesus from a theological and historical standpoint? The answer is yes and no at the same time.

Don’t Confuse the Matter

First, let us consider the arguments against referring to Joseph as the biological father of Jesus. One argument is that it is not advisable at this time, considering the enormous religious misunderstanding that exists today. Some well-known modern theologians believe that the Gospels do not convey the historical truth about Jesus, but rather just transmit the wishful thinking or biases of the early Christians who composed them. For the first time in millennia, skeptics are calling into question assertions made by the Bible and accepted by Christians.

• Many writers and theologians have attempted to “rethink” the event of Christ’s birth in order to make it more compatible with contemporary sensibilities.
• They hope to assist people who are still entranced by religion in finding their way to the state of enlightenment that the writers have achieved.
• As a result, historical issues in the scriptures as we currently have them are seen as insurmountable hurdles that must ultimately lead to doubt.
• The hypothesis is not a logical alternative reading based on the existing information, but rather a total rearranging of the components that results in a picture that is more pleasing to the writers’ aesthetic or religious sensibilities” (The Real Jesus, HarperSanFrancisco, 32).

So, what do these sceptical theologians have to do with Jesus and Joseph, you might wonder. They do not believe in the possibility of miracles, and hence do not believe in the possibility of the Virgin Birth. Here are just a couple of illustrations:

• Consider the arguments against referring to Joseph as the biological father of Jesus. One argument is that it is not advisable at this time, considering the considerable theological disarray at the moment. The Gospels, according to several famous modern theologians, don’t convey the historical facts about Jesus, but rather just carry on the wishful thinking or biases of the early Christians. For the first time in millennia, skeptics are calling into question assertions stated in the Bible and accepted by Christians. In current theological circles, the Virgin Birth of Jesus is frequently disputed. Many writers and theologians have attempted to “rethink” the event of Christ’s birth in order to make it more compatible with contemporary concerns. A scathing critique of such theologians is provided by Luke Timothy Johnson. It is therapeutic for them to think about their work. They hope to assist individuals who are still entranced by religion in finding their way to the state of enlightenment that the writers have attained via their own personal experience. The anticipated route of rationalist reduction is followed by each writer as well. As a result, historical issues in the scriptures as we currently have them are seen as insurmountable hurdles that must ultimately lead to doubt. It is then that imaginative conjecture fills in the gaps created by doubt. “The hypothesis is not a logical alternative interpretation based on the existing data, but rather a total rearranging of the components that results in a picture that is more pleasing to the writers’ aesthetic or religious sensibilities” (The Real Jesus, HarperSanFrancisco, 32). So, what do these sceptical theologians have to do with Jesus and Joseph, you might wonder? They do not believe in the possibility of miracles, and so do not believe in the possibility of the Virgin Birth as well. As an illustration, consider the following two scenarios.

Many people, especially in today’s skeptical atmosphere, would be perplexed if they heard someone refer to Joseph as the father of Jesus. They would believe he was his biological father and not his natural father. However, even inside the Church, many of the less well-informed would misinterpret the words to suggest that Jesus was the product of sexual encounters between Joseph and Mary, which is not true. They can read the words “Father of Jesus” as a rejection of the Virgin Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1. “By the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man,” according to the Nicene Creed.
2. He is, therefore, not the biological father of Jesus.
3. There is no doubt about it in Scripture and the earliest traditions of the Christian religion.
4. So Joseph was Jesus’ foster father, as well as the legal, adoptive father of our Lord—the chosen father, selected by God himself to be Jesus’ biological father (cf.Catechism of the Catholic Church532).
5. Consider the opinions of numerous well-regarded authorities in order to answer this question.

What Scripture Says

When Joseph and Mary carried Jesus to the temple to be circumcised, we are told that “his father and his mother were amazed at what was spoken about him,” according to the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:33). Luke did not use the phrases adopted, foster, or legal in his sentence. Joseph is simply referred to as “his father” by him. The same Luke who wrote about the Virgin Birth now refers to Joseph as the father of Jesus, according to the Bible. Second, when Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem in search of Jesus and saw him in the temple, challenging the physicians of the law, Mary questioned him, saying, “Son, why have you treated us so badly?” As you can see, your father and I have been seeking for you with bated breath” (Luke 2:48).

It is evident that Mary is referring to Joseph in this passage rather than the heavenly Father when she uses the wordfather. Based on this scriptural precedence, we may be confident that we are on sound footing.

Augustine and Aquinas

“According to Augustine (De Consensu Evangelistarumii), Joseph is called the father of Christ in the same way that he is called the husband of Mary, without fleshly mingling, by the mere bond of marriage: being thereby united to him much more closely than if he were adopted from another family,” Thomas writes in his Summa Theologiae (Summa Theology). As a result, the fact that Christ was not conceived by Joseph through a physical union is no reason why Joseph should not be addressed as his father, because Joseph would be the father of any adopted son who was not born to his wife” (ST III:28:1 ad 1).

Pope John Paul II

“However, although it is important for the Church to affirm Jesus’ conception as a child of the Holy Spirit, it is as critical for the Church to support Mary’s marriage to Joseph, because Joseph’s legal paternity is dependent on it. The reason why the generations are enumerated in chronological order according to Joseph’s genealogy becomes clear: Why, says St. Augustine,’should they not be in accordance with Joseph?’ Was he not the spouse of Mary? . Scripture claims that he was her husband on the authority of an angel, according to the text.

Joseph was instructed to name the kid, despite the fact that it was not born from his sperm.

In response to Joseph’s anxiety regarding the origin of Mary’s pregnancy, the Holy Spirit informs him that it is the work of the Holy Spirit.

In spite of this, he does not lose his fatherly authority from the time he is instructed to name the kid.

The following characteristics of this marriage were present: ‘In Christ’s parents, all the blessings of marriage were realized—offspring, faithfulness, and the sacrament: the offspring being the Lord Jesus himself; fidelity, since there was no adultery; and the sacrament, because there was no divorce.’ As a result, the messenger turns to Joseph, delegating to him the obligations of an earthly parent with respect to Mary’s Son (Guardian of the Redeemer3; cf.

Augustine, Sermo51, 10, 16: PL 38, 342; De nuptiis et concupiscentiaI, 11, 12–13: PL 44, 421).

True Fatherhood

Fr. Larry M. Toschi, O.S.J., a scholar on Joseph, comes to the conclusion that “because of his real marriage to Mary, Jesus’ Mother, Joseph is actually Jesus’ father, but not in a natural, biological sense. Joseph is truly Jesus’ father.” His legal fatherhood is clearly important in Matthew 1, and it must be remembered that in Semitic philosophy, legal fatherhood was just as real as biological fatherhood. The religious nameJesus, which means ‘Savior’ in Hebrew, is also passed down by Joseph (cf.

To all appearances, Jesus is known as Joseph’s son; in fact, many have trouble conceiving him as anything other (cf.

In the New Testament, Joseph is found in the Guardian of the Redeemer Books, on page 38.

It is abundantly clear that, when understood in the proper context of Jesus’ divine origin and Virgin Birth—and in the context of rejecting the secularism and skepticism of our current age—the phrase “Joseph the father of Jesus” can be understood as completely faithful to Scripture, Catholic Tradition, the Doctors of the Church, and Pope John Paul II.

We, together with Mary, recognize Joseph as our Lord’s legal father—the man whom God himself selected to be his father. What a magnificent man he must have been; what a fantastic parent he proved to be; what a beautiful example he set for all dads in our time. St. Joseph, please intercede for us.