According to Christian tradition, Saint Joachim is understood to be the father of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This lineage isn’t explicitly detailed in the canonical Gospels but is found in apocryphal texts, such as the Gospel of James, which dates back to the second century. These texts offer narratives about Mary’s parents and her childhood, filling in details not present in the canonical scriptures.
Understanding Mary’s parentage provides context for her role within Christian belief. It connects her to the lineage of the Davidic kings, a significant aspect of messianic prophecy in the Old Testament. This connection strengthens the theological understanding of Jesus’s lineage and his claim as the Messiah. These narratives also contribute to the broader veneration of Mary within certain Christian traditions.