Joseph

Joseph, whom the Bible describes as a “just man” (Matt. 1:19), was a descendant of David and a carpenter by trade. Betrothed to Mary when she was found to be with child, Joseph sought to show compassion and divorce her quietly, even though it looked like Mary had committed adultery. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, however, assuring him that Mary’s child was from the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:20–21). Joseph trusted God and took Mary as his wife. He traveled with Mary to his ancestral home of Bethlehem, where she gave birth to Jesus. When Herod the Great sought to kill Jesus, Joseph took Mary and the child and escaped to Egypt (Matt. 2:13–18). Following Herod’s death, they returned to Palestine and settled in Nazareth. Joseph later fathered at least four other sons and at least two daughters. Since he is not mentioned in the incident related in Matt. 12:46, it is likely that Joseph died before Jesus began his ministry. (Matthew 1:19–21)