In the first chapter of Matthew and the third of Luke, we have family histories for Jesus.
To be methodical, we must go verse by verse, pick a logical starting point, and deal with the fact that one reads forward in time (Matthew) while the other traces backwards.
I think it makes most sense to start at the focal point of Jesus' parents...
Careful reading of Matt 1:16 indicates that the Matthew list is intended to be through Joseph's family descent. The Jews, not believing Jesus was born without assistance of a human father, would look to this list as an indication of his legitimacy at birth. The implication is that the other list is of Mary's family line, but Luke 3:23 does not actually state this, again referring to Joseph. There are no other Bible verses that state the parentage of either Joseph or Mary, nor are the grandfathers (Jacob and Heli) mentioned anywhere else.
Even a casual glance shows the accounts to be highly different. Are they wrong?
2007-05-08
07:33:36
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20 answers
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Suzanne
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Religion & Spirituality