St. Joseph and His World

In the Bible, St. Joseph says absolutely nothing and is mentioned only a few times. It would be easy to think of him as a dull, kindly, shadowy old man who adds little to salvation history—but Mike Aquilina shows us how wrong that would be.This book lifts the veil from our understanding of Joseph and that ancient world. How was Nazareth created? Why was Bethlehem important? What was daily life like? And who was this man Joseph?He was a devout Jew of the appropriate royal lineage of David, and probably a much younger man than we think. He was often visited by angels and did what they told him to do. He was an esteemed craftsman; in the book, we learn about his physically challenging work life. And he was brave and fiercely protective of his family against his greatest enemy—the world’s greatest enemy at that moment in time—King Herod.Herod has a major supporting role in this book. The details of his life, actions, and personality arranged before us by Aquilina bring Herod alive, too, and trust me, you’ll learn things about him you’ll never be able to forget.Aquilina is author of more than 60 books. There’s a reason his works are so popular with the general public and so highly respected by top experts. His clear, inviting, easily accessible prose rests on a deep foundation of scholarship. Aquilina calls on scholars, historians, and theologians going back more than two thousand years—as well as Jewish prophecies going back much further than that—as he builds for us a three-dimensional, flesh-and-blood St. Joseph in his very real world. As Aquilina says:“Joseph is the prudent man whose thoughts correspond to reality, and whose actions flow from those thoughts. He is the image of God and yet a model for every Christian. He is the one who keeps the constant company of Jesus Christ.”

I read this book to inaugurate my year of building a devotion to the Holy Family. It happened to be published just as Pope Francis named the coming liturgical year 2021 as the Year of Saint Joseph.Professor Aquilina writes in a style that demonstrates his scholarship on the topic yet is easily readable for the non-academic lay person. He has effectively and plausibly filled in the years of Joseph’s life by applying what is known of family heritage, practices, beliefs, society and politics of the times.This result is eye and mind opening about the relationship between Joseph and Jesus. It provides a good deal of opportunity for personal study and reflection. I recommend reading the book through in its entirety, then go back and use it for close study and meditation. The text includes scripture references, catechism notes, and footnotes to all the cited sources.I use the Kindle edition, works perfectly for me.

A fine book detailing so much about that time in history, political situation, religious influences, everyday life, etc., as well as explanation of the lineage of the Holy Family and tying it all to prophesies in the Old Testament. We learn so much of Joseph by a thorough explanation of his time, lineage, and even profession. Conversely, learning more about Herod also shines more light on the events of the time. A really interesting and thought-provoking read which shows the history of all the forces at work at that time and just how amazingly God works through all the messiness of human history to assure His will is done.

I have wanted for many years to know St Joseph better. This book is inspiring and thought-provoking. The historical context is helpful in giving depth to the portrait of this best of all fathers.

What more can be said about St. Joseph? I was skeptical that much more of significance could, as I have read much on Mary's spouse. But, when I came across this book, and saw the author, I knew that if anyone could provide new light on Joseph of Nazareth, it was this prolific writer.And I was right. This book is a real page turner (I polished off this modestly sized work in a morning). Mike's gift is to make history interesting while the reader ends up learning much more than he would have anticipated coming in. For example, contrasting Joseph and Herod provided me background on both men that I never knew. Also, the first chapter is a masterful overview of salvation history up to the time of Christ -- I believe it will lead readers back to the historical books of Scripture to learn the details. Other chapters focus on Joseph's friendship with angels, his work as a carpenter, how Joseph really felt when he learned of Mary's pregnancy, a final reflection on how Joseph is the exemplar of prudence, and much more.There is no better review of this book than Scott Hahn's Foreword to the book (just check out the Look Inside feature above).Highly recommended during this year of St. Joseph to grow even closer to this great man and intercessor. As with Aquilina's other historical works, this book makes history interesting so consider it for the relative or friend who believes reading such works is dull.

A brilliant, succinct book addressing a broad audience including scholars,clergy or those who just wish for a spiritual retreat with Joseph and the Holy Family. Fascinating details discuss the historical background, the Jewish tradition and the very human elements of the work of a carpenter in the context of the Foster Father-son of God relationship between Jesus and Joseph.This is the very right spiritual and historical book to celebrate the year dedicated to St Joseph. As a permanent deacon I highly recommend this book for group reflection, home groups or retreats.

Great background to St Joseph, leading beautifully into a deeper discovery of the man so important in our story of salvation. St Joseph, pray for us

It was fascinating to learn more about the people, places and time in which St. Joseph lived while courageously caring for Mary and Jesus in total faithfulness to God’s calling in his life. St. Joseph pray for us!

A very insightful read about a very great saint.