Is there any biblical indication of what in the world happened to Joseph (Mary's husband)? Any early church tradition that seems valid? -- Geoff
I assume you are referring to the conspicuous absence of Joseph at the time of Jesus' public ministry. The most common understanding, I believe, is that Joseph died before Jesus began his ministry. This makes sense, especially as in John 19 Jesus entrusts his mother to the apostle John. Why would he have done this if his father were still alive? (Presumably his four younger brothers were married and all had their own families; John was more available.)
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