CHAPTER NINETEEN/When Did Joseph Die?

 We know that Joseph was alive when Jesus was 12 years old. At that age many Jewish youths began to learn their father's trade and became apprentices at 15. Joseph eventually lived long enough to teach Jesus to be a carpenter. Was Joseph living when Jesus began his ministry at about 30 years of age? That seems very doubtful. Jesus' mother, brothers, and sisters are all mentioned as living at that time but not Joseph. (Mark 6:3) Mary is spoken of at acting and taking initiatives on her own, without consulting a husband. (John 2:1-5) That would have been unusual in Bible times unless she was a widow. Finally, as he was Jesus was dying, Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to the apostle Joh. (John 19:26,27) There would have been no need to do so if Joseph were still living. Likely, then, Joseph died when Jesus was a relatively young man. As the eldest son, Jesus undoubtedly took over the carpentry business and care for his family after the baptism. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY MAGDALENE - "I Have Seen the Lord!" 

From the jw.org publications