JOSEPH AND MARY
WAS JOSEPH MARRIED BEFORE?
Biblical References:
– Mark 6:3: “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?”
– Matthew 13:55-56: “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us?”
– Matthew 1:18-19: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.”
Meaning and Message
The question of whether Joseph was married before he married Mary is rooted in apocryphal writings, which are non-canonical and not part of the official Biblical texts. These writings, while not considered divinely inspired like the canonical books, offer insights and narratives that fill in some gaps left by the Biblical texts. According to these apocryphal sources, Joseph was previously married to a woman named Salome (also known as Melcha or Escha). They purportedly had four sons and two daughters, with the youngest being James the Less, often referred to as “the Lord’s brother” (Mk 6:3; Mt 13:55-56).
This narrative can help explain the mentions of Jesus’ brothers and sisters in the Gospels. These references have led to various interpretations among Christian traditions. Some view these siblings as Joseph’s children from a previous marriage, while others see them as close relatives or cousins, consistent with the broader use of “brothers” and “sisters” in ancient Jewish culture.
REFLECTION
While the apocryphal writings suggest Joseph was previously married, the Bible does not confirm this. The biblical account focuses on Joseph’s role as the earthly father of Jesus, entrusted by God to protect and raise the Messiah. His marriage to Mary was a unique calling to fulfill God’s plan of salvation.
Joseph’s life offers profound lessons for Christians today. His acceptance of God’s will, despite the personal and social challenges, is a testament to his faith and obedience. As a protector of Mary and Jesus, Joseph exemplifies humility, strength, and unwavering trust in God. His story encourages believers to embrace God’s plans, even when they seem beyond understanding, and to serve faithfully in their roles within God’s larger narrative.