Noble Joseph

Isn't Joseph a grand fellow? I was interested to read something about his character in Matthew 1:19, when he finds out Mary's startling news:

• "a just man and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily" King James Version
• "chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced" The Message (Eugene Petersen)
• "a man of stern principle, decided to break the engagement but to do it quietly, as he didn't want to disgrace her publicly" The Living Bible
• "being a man of principle, and at the same time wanting to save her from exposure, Joseph desired to have the marriage contract set aside quietly" New English Bible
• "a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly" New Living Translation

How timely and beautifully received was the swift angel message that gave him the perfect answer from Scripture (Isaiah 7: 14). I marvel at how well these characters knew their Scriptures and how it shaped their thinking and actions. How blessed was Mary to have such a man by her side.

Julie Swannell