The life of Jesus up to the age of 12 7 studies
- 1Joseph's first dream
- 2The journey to Bethlehem
- 3The encounter with Simeon
- 4Joseph's second dream
- 5The stay in Egypt
Contradictions 1 study
The life of Jesus up to the age of 12
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PER010
Joseph's first dream
The article explores Joseph's dream in the Gospel of Matthew, revealing how his visions and decisions influence Mary's life and perceptions of Jesus. By taking Mary into his home, Joseph legitimises Jesus' birth despite malicious rumours.
Matthew 1.18-25 (King James Version) :Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER012
The journey to Bethlehem
Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census, foretold to coincide with the Messiah's birth. Despite Mary's advanced pregnancy, the couple cover 137 km, with the journey planned for the Feast of Tabernacles. Luke is the only biblical author to document this journey. After the arduous trip, Mary goes into labour, bringing their arrival into line with the prophecies.
Luke 2.3-5 (King James Version) :And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER018
The encounter with Simeon
The meeting between the Holy Family and Simeon at the Temple of Jerusalem, according to the Gospel of Luke, deepens Mary and Joseph's awareness of Jesus' divine mission.
Luke 2.25-35 (King James Version) :And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER022
Joseph's second dream
The article discusses Joseph's second dream, recounted in Matthew (Mt 2:13-15), in which an angel orders him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. It highlights divine protection and Joseph's crucial role, examining differences between Matthew and Luke and offering historical and theological insights.
Matthew 2.13-15 (King James Version) :And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER023
The stay in Egypt
The article explores the Holy Family's stay in Egypt, highlighting their biblical flight from Herod. Warned in a dream, Joseph leads a difficult journey of approximately 400–500 kilometres. The analysis covers practical matters, the Magi's contribution and the political context, although precise details of the stay remain uncertain.
Matthew 2.14-15 (King James Version) :When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER025
Joseph's third dream
The article ‘PER025 - Joseph's third dream’ recounts a divine revelation in Matthew 2.13-15. Joseph receives the message that he may return from Egypt to Israel after Herod's death, highlighting the family and political dynamics of the return.
Matthew 2.13-15 (King James Version) :And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER026
Joseph's fourth and final dream
Joseph receives divine instructions in a dream, leading him to return to Nazareth with his family rather than Bethlehem. Matthew emphasises that this decision fulfils the prophecy that Jesus will be called a Nazarene.
Matthew 2.22-23 (King James Version) :But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Contradictions
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CTD002
Who is Joseph's father?
This article explores the apparent contradiction between Matthew and Luke concerning the father of Joseph, Mary's husband. It proposes that Matthew presents Joseph's lineage and Luke presents Mary's, thus resolving the discrepancy. This demonstrates the coherence and complementary nature of the Gospels.
Deuteronomy 25.5-6 (King James Version) :If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband’s brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband’s brother unto her.Noteher husband’s…: or, her next kinsmanNotebrother’s: or, next kinsman’sAnd it shall be, that the firstborn which she beareth shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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ANN016
The journey to Egypt
The article analyses the Holy Family's journey to Egypt according to Matthew, and its absence in Luke. It explores the theological and historical implications…
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ANN042
Travel times
This appendix examines means of travel and journey times in the first century. In Jesus' time, people travelled mainly on foot, in caravans or…
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ANN069
Joseph, Jesus' adoptive father
Joseph, Jesus' adoptive father, is described in little detail in the Gospels but plays a crucial role. Often regarded as the father…