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Joseph of Nazareth, often known as "St. Joseph," was the spouse of the [[Virgin Mary]] and the foster-father of [[Jesus Christ]].  His life is known primarily through the early chapters of the [[Gospel of Matthew]] and the [[Gospel of Luke]], and a rich oral tradition.   

'''Joseph of Nazareth''', often known as "St. Joseph," was the spouse of the [[Virgin Mary]] and the foster-father of [[Jesus Christ]].  His life is known primarily through the early chapters of the [[Gospel of Matthew]] and the [[Gospel of Luke]], and a rich oral tradition.   

According to Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3, Joseph was a tekton, which means a mechanic in general and a carpenter in particular.  The oral tradition, accepted since the earliest times, was that Joseph was indeed a carpenter by trade, and it is likely that [[Jesus]] initially followed in his footsteps.

According to Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3, Joseph was a tekton, which means a mechanic in general and a carpenter in particular.  The oral tradition, accepted since the earliest times, was that Joseph was indeed a carpenter by trade, and it is likely that [[Jesus]] initially followed in his footsteps.

It is assumed that Joseph was deceased by the time of [[Jesus]]'s preaching and [[Passion]], as there is no mention of him while there are references to [[Jesus]]'s other family members.  It was common for a husband to be substantially older than a wife, and for women to live longer than men.

It is assumed that Joseph was deceased by the time of [[Jesus]]'s preaching and [[Passion]], as there is no mention of him while there are references to [[Jesus]]'s other family members.  It was common for a husband to be substantially older than a wife, and for women to live longer than men.

[[category:Christianity]]

[[category:Christianity]]