The figure of Saint Joseph in the context of early Christian literature

Abstract

The article explores the figure of Saint Joseph in early Christian literature, drawing on the writings of the Church Fathers and the apocryphal Gospels. It highlights his identity as a righteous man, his marriage to Mary, and his role as Jesus’ legal father, linked to the fulfillment of the messianic promises. It also examines early interpretations of his genealogy and the differences between the accounts of Matthew and Luke. Finally, the article shows how these sources present Saint Joseph as a servant of God’s plan of salvation and help deepen our understanding of his significance within the Church’s tradition and devotion.