In this daily Bible reading is the genealogy of Jesus Christ from Abraham. Abraham was born around 2000 BC, roughly 2000 years before Jesus was born. From Abraham to David were 14 generations. This was a period of about 1000 years as David became king of Israel around 1000 BC. From King David to Israel’s deportation to Babylon was 14 generations. The deportation was in 587 BC. So this was about a 500 year period. From the deportation to the birth of Jesus was 14 generations, another 500 year period. It would appear that lifespans decreased over the 2000 years from Abraham to Jesus.
Also in these passages is the account of Jesus’ birth. The Bible says that Jesus was born to Mary and that she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit of God. Her husband, Joseph did not have sexual relations with Mary until after Jesus was born. The Bible says that Joseph and Mary had other sons and daughters. Jesus had siblings.
It is interesting that the Roman Catholic Church, which was created in 300 AD, for centuries taught that Mary remained a virgin all of her life. The people accepted this teaching because they could not read the Bible.
The Bible was only in the Latin language. Twelve centuries later it was translated into English, with much resistance from the Catholic Church. Then, the people could finally read and understand the Bible.
