A Textual Challenge to the “Mary and Joseph Had Later Relations” Position

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Crazy Ivan

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Right at the begining of Luke 1:27
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary


If Joseph and Mary were to have a normal marriage, why a woman would be surprised to have a child born to her?

Easily understood if she thought Gabriel meant she would have a child SOON.

She grounds Her question in:

"I know not man."

That seems to make the absence of relations with a man the relevant obstacle, not the timing of the conception.

This suggested Mary knew right from the beginning she should remain a virgin, not knowing man!

It suggests nothing of the sort.

The Protoevangelium of James described the 'marriage' of Joseph and Mary wad not a usual marriage of 'lovers' type which 'husband' would consummate the marriage.

This was not told in the gospel of Luke and Matthew.