Joseph was a 1st-century Jewish artisan from Nazareth who lived during the time of Jesus. As the husband of Mary, he is recognized in the New Testament as the legal father of Jesus. Depending on the Gospel account, he is described as either the son of Jacob or the son of Heli. His life in the scriptures involves protecting his family, including a journey to Egypt to escape King Herod, before eventually settling back in Galilee.