Joseph of Alphaeus
From Nazareth. He is one of the cousins of Jesus and of royal lineage like him. Son of Mary of Clopas and Alphaeus, the uncle of Jesus. Older brother of Simon, Jude (the apostle), and James (the apostle), whose Family head he becomes after the death of their father. It is in this capacity that he is troubled by members of the Sanhedrin who cannot directly attack Jesus, who is taking refuge at the borders of the Samaria on a property of Lazarus.[1] He is married, with children.[2]
Character and Appearance
About 57 years old, he is an authoritative and stubborn man in his ideas, like his father, whom he also physically resembles. Full of himself in his role as head of the Family, he absolutely wants to give advice to Jesus on how to deal with the powerful and to conquer power.[3] His speech is slow and haughty.[4]
Apostolic Journey
At first hostile to Jesus, who seems to him an object of Scandal and probably somewhat "illuminated":"You want to lose yourself! You are the cause of our ruin and yours!".
His sense of role leads him to associate with the Pharisees, who know how to take advantage of his naivety. He even participates in the first plot against him.[5] However, his true nature gradually pushes him to question the true nature of Jesus. He asks Mary to explain the Scriptures to him "as you and your Son understand them." Explaining the Scriptures in the light of Truth! ... It is difficult when the listener is a Joseph of Alphaeus, that is, someone who firmly believes in the temporal reign of the Messiah, in his royal birth (both the Messiah's and his own), and in many other things! But slowly the inner path opens and Joseph slowly frees himself from the traps of the Pharisees.[6]-[7]
His Name
ףיוס (Joseph)[8].
Joseph (Iosseph - Iehosseph) means "May God add!" Historical reference: the eleventh son of Jacob by Rachel. This son preferred was sold by his brothers and became Pharaoh’s steward.
Where is he mentioned in the work?
Mary's Childhood: GRM 14The Nativity Cycle: GRM 35
Jesus' Youth: GRM 39
Call of the First Apostles: GRM 51
Selection of the Last Apostles: GRM 95
The Last Shepherds: GRM 105
The Year-End Celebrations: GRM 133
The Female Apostolate: GRM 150
The Conversion of Mary Magdalene: GRM 246 GRM 253
Sending of the Apostles and Disciples on Mission: GRM 264 GRM 269
Perea, Gilead, and Trachonitis: GRM 281
The Year-End Festivities in Nazareth: GRM 303 GRM 307 GRM 308
Summer in Nazareth: GRM 437 GRM 440 GRM 441 GRM 459 GRM 460
In Syro-Phoenicia: GRM 477 GRM 478
The Feast of Tabernacles: GRM 490 GRM 491
In Moab and Judea: GRM 509
The Exile in Samaria: GRM 562 GRM 566
Holy Week: GRM 590 GRM 596 GRM 598
Notes and references
Note: Quotations from the work of Maria Valtorta on this page currently use machine-translated text and will gradually be replaced by the official English translation. Until then, the official translation may be consulted through the reference link provided with each quotation.