Bible Question: HOW COULD JESUS BE A DESCENDANT OF DAVID IF HE WAS CONCIEVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT? HE DID NOT HAVE AN EARTHLY FATHER. |
Bible Answer: My understanding of the differences in the geneologies is the following: 1. The Gospel of Matthew records Jesus' "legal" geneology, i.e., the line of Joseph, His earthly and legal father. The reason for this is that Matthew's Gospel account is directed to the Jews, his purpose being to prove Jesus' Kingship. In order to do this, he would have to prove that Jesus was a legal descendent of David, therefore a legal heir to the throne. Mary is mentioned in Matthew's Gospel as the wife of Joseph. 2. Luke's Gospel is directed to Theophilus, most likely a Gentile, and is focused on Jesus as the Son of Man. Therefore, it is logical to record the geneology of His mother, even though the Gospel of Luke says that Joseph is the supposed son of Eli. Also, I have heard it said that it is possible that Eli had no sons, therefore no heir except his son-in-law, making Joseph his "son." |