Origen on St. Matthew’s account of Joseph & Mary
Thanks for the ping. I disagree with Origen on this one. At the time Joseph thought to put Mary away quietly, he knew she was pregnant and he wasn’t the father. He did not know the child was conceived of the Holy Spirit until the angel told him so. Therefore, I believe Joseph loved Mary, and did not want her to be shamed or stoned to death, but he was still pondering that decision until the angel appeared to him. Note that both Mary and Joseph obeyed guidance from God delivered to them by angels. Thus, they could be guided by God in their raising of the child Jesus.