St. Joseph, known as the earthly father of Jesus Christ, is one of the most important figures in Christianity. While the Bible doesn't provide us with an exact age at the time of his death, various historical and theological sources offer insights into this intriguing question.

1. What does the Bible say about St. Joseph's death?

Interestingly, the Bible doesn't explicitly mention St. Joseph's death. The last biblical reference to him is when Jesus is twelve years old and they visit Jerusalem for the Passover festival. After this, St. Joseph is not mentioned again, which has led many to infer that he may have passed away sometime during Jesus' youth or early adulthood.

2. What do historical sources suggest about St. Joseph's age at death?

  • Protoevangelium of James: This non-biblical text, written in the second century, suggests that St. Joseph was an older man when he married Mary. It further suggests that he lived for around nineteen years after Jesus' birth, making him approximately ninety years old at the time of his death.
  • Origen: This early Christian theologian also hints at St. Joseph's advanced age. In his writings, Origen suggests that St. Joseph was an aged widower.

3. What does tradition teach about St. Joseph's death?

Tradition holds different views regarding the age at which St. Joseph passed away.

  • Eastern Orthodox Church: According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, St. Joseph died at the age of 111.
  • Church of St. Joseph in Nazareth: This church, built on the traditional site of St. Joseph's residence in Nazareth, claims that he passed away at the age of 60.

4. What can we conclude about St. Joseph's age at death?

Given the varying perspectives and scarcity of biblical references, it is challenging to ascertain the exact age at which St. Joseph passed away. While some traditions and historical sources suggest an advanced age, others present a more moderate view.

In the end, the age at St. Joseph's death remains a matter of speculation and personal belief rather than established fact.

However, what remains undoubted is the significant role St. Joseph played in the life of Jesus and the enduring impact of his faith and obedience. Regardless of his age, his righteous character and unwavering devotion remain an inspiration for believers worldwide.

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
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