Was Mary always a virgin?

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walking4him

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Mar 31, 2008
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I know that Jesus was born of a virgin, but did she remain one after Jesus was born? I ask because I've heard many theories about Jesus having brother(s) and/or sister(s).
 

setfree

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Oct 14, 2007
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This was discussed on another thread Did Jesus have any brothers or sisters?This might be a little helpful. It could confuse you too! But it has been discussed.
 

Christina

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Apr 10, 2006
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setfree is correct this is confusing that facts are Mary did have other children and Jesus did have brothers/ sisters but what isnt clearly said is whether Mary gave birth to these children Joseph had been married before and his wife had died so we do not know if these brothers and sisters were Mary's natural children or her step children
 

zadzial

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Mar 23, 2008
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setfree is correct this is confusing that facts are Mary did have other children and Jesus did have brothers/ sisters but what isnt clearly said is whether Mary gave birth to these children Joseph had been married before and his wife had died so we do not know if these brothers and sisters were Mary's natural children or her step children
Where in the Bible does it say Joseph was married before?
 

zadzial

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I know that Jesus was born of a virgin, but did she remain one after Jesus was born? I ask because I've heard many theories about Jesus having brother(s) and/or sister(s).
There are numerous verses in the Bible that mention Jesus' brothers and sisters. Matthew 13:55 Matthew 27:56 Mark 3:31 Mark 6:3 Mark 15:40 Mark 16:1 Galatians 1:19Look particularly at Gal 1:19 where Paul says "I saw none of the other apostles, only James, the Lord's brother." There is no way that reference can be taken any other way than how it was said. If Jesus only had step-brothers and sisters because of Joseph's marriage to another woman, I do not think that Paul would have referred to James as such. Also, if Joseph had other children to woman prior to his marriage with Mary, why is this not mentioned in the ealy chapters of the gospels, when talking about the birth accounts. Joseph takes Mary to Bethlehem because of a census. If he had other children they also would have accompanied Joseph, yet there is no mention of them in those accounts.Also when talking about Mary and Joseph before the birth of Jesus the Bible tells us that "But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son." Mat 2:25 Now you can try to say that it does not say he had union with her afterwards - but it would be a pretty weak position to take and who would be convinced by it? Assuming though - for arguments sake - that these brothers and sisters were from Joseph and other women, or merely cousins, etc, and that Mary did not have any other children, then there is still no evidence that she remained a virgin. You can be childless without being a virgin. It is also unbiblical for a husband and wife to deny each other sexually (1 Cor 7:4-5). The perpetual virgin idea began sometime before AD 383. It is known that a tract defending this idea and dating to that year was found.
 

Christina

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Where in the Bible does it say Joseph was married before?
You maybe right I cant remember where I heard that I know he was much older than her somewhere I read he was a widower but it may have been outside scripture I have to look but its not important the fact are not in evidence she remained a virgin
 

Cybella

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Mar 25, 2008
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Yes, some people think it is a bad thing to suggest that Mary did not reamain a virgin- but I don't see why you should have to if you are married.
 

Jon-Marc

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Also, it says in Matt. 1:25 that Joseph "knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS." Note the word "until". After Jesus was born, they did what all married folks do. Well, so do the unmarried ones, but that's beside the point.
 

ami

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Sep 3, 2007
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(Jon-Marc;46272)
Also, it says in Matt. 1:25 that Joseph "knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS." Note the word "until". After Jesus was born, they did what all married folks do. Well, so do the unmarried ones, but that's beside the point.
Hi,Good point Jon-Marc. Matt. 1:25 says it all. Some Catholics and Orthodox don’t believe the fact that Joseph and Mary did what all married people do after Jesus was born. That means they had children even after Jesus. The problem is that sometimes the answer is right in front of our eyes and we don't see or we deny it or we are used to assuming things like the one which says Joseph was a widow and had children before he knew his wife. I say that is baseless.Ami
 

Jon-Marc

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I believe that the main problem is that most people have never read the scriptures for themselves and allow someone else to tell them what they say. Unfortunately, they are too often listening to false teachers who speak lies and twist the scriptures to suit themselves. I have read the entire Bible many times and done extensive studying as we are told to do in 2 Tim. 2:15: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of truth." However, I depend on the Holy Spirit for understand and don't lean upon my own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
 

RobinD69

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Oct 7, 2007
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I dont believe the Bible is specific on the ages of Joseph and Mary or whether Joseph had been married before. There are may theories and extra Biblical conjecture, but we honestly do not know for sure. As for whether she stayed a virgin or not, I go with the " she was married, so why stay a virgin? "
 

Jackie D

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Mar 15, 2008
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MatthewMat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Mat 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: Mat 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. these three verses tell us that Mary was a virgin until after the birth of Christ and it was not until after His birth that Mary and Joseph consumated their marriage (1:25). We know that Mary had other children according to gospel and epistle scripture telling of Jesus' brothers. No Mary did NOT remain a virgin.blessings