Since there was mention of Jesus' earthly father Joseph here, I had recently read in eSword about him. I thought this was interesting so I wanted to bring this out. It seems that Joseph may have died fairly early in Jesus' life.
Fausset's Bible Dictionary --------------------------
James, Joses, Simon, and Judas mentioned in Mat.13:56 being literally His brothers, born of Joseph and Mary.
The statement that His "brethren did not believe in Him" (John 7:5) may refer to His near relations generally, excepting the two apostles James (who is expressly called "the Lord's brother," Gal 1:19) and Jude (Jude 1:1).
In Acts 1:14 His "brethren," as distinct from the apostles, may refer to Simon and Joses and other near relatives. It is not likely there would be two pairs of brothers named alike, of such eminence; James and Jude. His brethren are, most probably, the writers of the epistles.
If Joseph had been their father, they would have been some (one time at least) designated in the usual mode "sons of Joseph."
It is expressly stated that Mary, wife of Cleophas and sister of the virgin Mary (John 19:25), had sons, of whom James and Joses are named (Mat 27:56; Mark 15:40). How unlikely that two mothers of the same name, Mary the virgin and her sister, should have sons also bearing the same names.
Joseph is mentioned as with Mary in presenting the Babe in the temple and as "marvelling at those things spoken of" Jesus by Simeon, and as "blessed" by him. Lastly, when Jesus was taken at 12 years of age to the temple and tarried behind, Joseph and His mother knew not of it; and Mary on finding Him said, "Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing."
He replied, "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" Henceforward there is no more mention of the earthly father.
If the virgin Mary had had sons of her own, Jesus would not have given her in charge to John (John 19:26), who was not a relative.
The naming of Jesus' brethren with His virgin mother so often may be because Jesus and she took up their abode at the home of Mary, the Virgin's sister, after Joseph's death; for that he soon died appears from his name being never mentioned after Luke 2. Hence the cousins would grow up as brothers.
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Just thought this would be of some interest
mercy, peace, and love
Kat