Three Fold Virginity Analysis

The first element of the Three-fold virginity of Mary entails her virginity after the conception of Jesus. The first clue, in accounting for her virginity, comes in the form of her discussion with an angel. The angel says, “And the holy child that will be born of you is the Son of the Most High. And you shall call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." This passage shows that Mary was untouched by a man, but that she is to carry the Lord’s child. Another form of evidence of Mary’s virginity while pregnant with Jesus has, once again, to do with an angel. Joseph, having seen Mary’s impregnated stomach and believing her to no longer be a virgin, is approached by an angel whom explains that the child is of the Holy Spirit. Making all doubts of her virginity vanish from Joseph’s mind. Perhaps the most influential piece of evidence, supporting Mary’s virginity, is when Mary and Joseph are called to the priest. They both deny intimacy, claiming they are pure when it comes to one another, and in Mary’s case, pure all together. The priest chooses to investigate their claims and tests them, forcing both to consume the water of bitterness, which is a form of poison. When both Mary and Joseph return, the priest states, “If the Lord God has not made your sin manifest, neither do I condemn you." Allowing them to leave, with
Mary’s virginity, after the birth of Jesus and throughout her life is questioned, mainly due to Jesus’ brothers. The Infancy Gospel of James explains the existence of these brothers as being the result of Joseph’s previous marriage, of which he was widowed. Joseph is selected from a group of men to marry Mary, in order to protect her virginity. Joseph shows discontent with his selection stating, “I have sons, and am an old man, but she is a girl.” However, he soon agrees to the marriage and takes responsibility over protecting Mary’s