1There was a man called Joseph, who came from Bethlehem, that Jewish village which is the city of King David.
2He was renowned for his wisdom and his trade as a carpenter.
3This man joined in holy matrimony with a woman who gave him four sons and two daughters.
4The sons were Judas, Justus, James and Simon. His daughters were called Lysia and Lydia.
5Joseph's wife died, leaving his son James still a child.
6Joseph was a righteous man and gave thanks to God in all his actions.
7He lived by the work of his hands, according to what the law of Moses established.