THEOS prōtos

Who is Mary?

“Hebrew Miriam. (1.) The wife of Joseph, the mother of Jesus, called the “Virgin Mary,” though never so designated in Scripture (Mat 2:11; Act 1:14). Little is known of her personal history. Her genealogy is given in Luke 3. She was of the tribe of Judah and the lineage of David (Psa 132:11; Luk 1:32). She was connected by marriage with Elisabeth, who was of the lineage of Aaron (Luk 1:36).” (Easton’s Bible Dictionary)

What does Holy Scripture Reveal about Mary?

“While she resided at Nazareth with her parents, before she became the wife of Joseph, the angel Gabriel announced to her that she was to be the mother of the promised Messiah (Luk 1:35). After this she went to visit her cousin Elisabeth, who was living with her husband Zacharias (Jos 15:55; 21:16, in the neighbourhood of Maon), at a considerable distance, about 100 miles, from Nazareth. Immediately on entering the house she was saluted by Elisabeth as the mother of her Lord, and then forthwith gave utterance to her hymn of thanksgiving (Luk 1:46-56; 1Sa 2:1-10). After three months Mary returned to Nazareth to her own home.

Joseph was supernaturally made aware (Mat 1:18-25) of her condition, and took her to his own home. Soon after this the decree of Augustus (Luk 2:1) required that they should proceed to Bethlehem (Mic 5:2), some 80 or 90 miles from Nazareth; and while they were there they found shelter in the inn or khan provided for strangers (Luk 2:6,7). But as the inn was crowded, Mary had to retire to a place among the cattle, and there she brought forth her son, who was called Jesus (Mat 1:21), because he was to save his people from their sins.

This was followed by the presentation in the temple, the flight into Egypt, and their return in the following year and residence at Nazareth (Mat 2). There for thirty years Mary, the wife of Joseph the carpenter, resides, filling her own humble sphere, and pondering over the strange things that had happened to her. During these years only one event in the history of Jesus is recorded, viz., his going up to Jerusalem when twelve years of age, and his being found among the doctors in the temple (Luk 2:41-52). Probably also during this period Joseph died, for he is not again mentioned.

After the commencement of our Lord’s public ministry little notice is taken of Mary. She was present at the marriage in Cana. A year and a half after this we find her at Capernaum (Mat 12:46,48,49), where Christ uttered the memorable words, “Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!” The next time we find her is at the cross along with her sister Mary, and Mary Magdalene, and Salome, and other women (Jhn 19:26). From that hour John took her to his own abode. She was with the little company in the upper room after the Ascension (Act 1:14). From this time she wholly disappears from public notice. The time and manner of her death are unknown.” (Easton’s Bible Dictionary)

Should we use, authoritatively, Extra Biblica Apocrypha Texts and Traditions?

Some early writings about Mary, the Mother of Jesus, could be helpful to see what early communities thought about her, but as far as reliable spiritual authority, they can not be. In all the earliest canon lists and the earliest church father discussions about divinely inspired writings, NO text about Mary outside of the canon was recognized by any person connected to the doctrinally lineage of the Apostles. Origen, a very early eccentric and at times unorthodoxy early Christian thinker even rejected it. The apocrypha semi-gnostic The Gospel of the Nativity of Mary was an early 2nd century writing but was never mentioned as authoritative or used by any person connected to the doctrinally lineage of the Apostles as divinely inspired.

Keep Issues with the Extra Biblical Apocrypha Text

The Gospel of the Nativity of Mary (aka the Protoevangelium of James) is the first work to insist that Mary remained a perpetual virgin. Joseph marries her simply to have her legally live in his home and had no intention of ever having sexual relations with her. He already has children through a previous marriage, so the “brothers” of Jesus are merely His stepbrothers and older than He is.

Scholarly consensus is that the Protoevangelium of James was written in the mid-second century; thus, is could not have been written by Jesus’ half-brother (or stepbrother, as this work would maintain). Since it is pseudepigraphal (written by someone claiming to be someone else) the Protoevangelium of James was rejected by the church. Origen speaks of it in the third century as of dubious origin. The work has been condemned by church councils and church officials through the years, and even by the Catholic Church, which teaches the perpetual virginity of Mary. The earliest manuscript of the text (Papyrus Bodmer 5) dates to the third or fourth century. Its origin is probably Syrian, and it possibly derives from a sect called the Encratites, whose founder, Tatian, taught that sex and marriage were symptoms of original sin. Which explains is bias and slant against Mary not being a virgin after Jesus and denying Jesus having half brothers, but only step brothers from some kinds of previous marriage of Joseph. None of which is supported by Holy Scripture. This is the first and earliest known mention of the idea of the perpetual virginity of Mary (problem for the Catholic Church and their Mariology). It was condemned by Pope Innocent I in 405AD and rejected by the Gelasian Decree around 500AD.

Therefore, it cannot be used for matters of faith and cannot be viewed as truthful, factual, or divinely inspired Word of God.

BIBLICAL DOCTRINES OF MARY

Family Lineage

• Mary is in the blood line of David (Psa 132:11; Luk 1:32)

Virgin Birth, (not the doctrine of Immaculate Conception)

• Mary was a virgin at the time of her pregnancy and birth of Jesus (Mat 1:18; Luk 1:27, 34) but the statement “before they came together” implies she did not remain a virgin in that it is also later stated that Jesus had blood related siblings brothers and sisters, which would also explain why she is never called “the virgin Mary” in Holy Scripture.
• Chosen, by God, and prophesied of (Isaiah 7:14), thus favored by God for her task as part of God’s plan and will (Luk 1:30)

Not a Perpetual Virgin (see Virgin Birth and As A Mother)

As A Wife

• Mary followed the lead of her husband, Joseph (Matt 1:20-24)

As A Mother

• Mary had other sons and daughters with Joseph, after Jesus (Mat 13:55; Mar 6:3; Act 1:14; Jhn 2:12). Jesus’ hometown knew their family. The context of their statement is of blood related family members. ἀδελφός, in context, means: a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother; blood relative.
• Mary attempted to parent and rebuked Jesus (Luk 2:48)
• Mary was a proud parent of her son (Luk 2:51-52)
• Jesus told John to care for Mary as his mother (John 19:26-27)

Was Not Worshiped or Venerated

• Mary was not worshiped or venerated by the wise men (Mat 2:11)
• The Shepherds did not venerate Mary (Luk 2:16-17, 20)
• Simeon prophesied and praised baby Jesus, never venerated Mary (Luk 2:25-35)
• A prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher never venerated Mary (Luk 2:36-38)
• Jesus only personally called Mary “woman,” (Jhn 2:4) and only called her “mother” in context to relationships of the earth for John (John 19:26-27).

Was Not Prayed To

• Mary too devoted her self “with one mind to prayer” with the Apostles (Act 1:14)

As A Mentor and Disciple

• Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene spent a lot of time together and were close (Mat 27:56, 61, 28:1; Mar 15:40, :47, 16:1; Luk 24:10)
• Believed the divine words from a messenger of the Lord and called herself “the Lord’s bond-servant” δούλη which means: a female slave, bondmaid, handmaid. She did NOT count herself equal or on par with the Lord (Luk 1:38) and was focused on the Lord alone (Luk 1:46). She found great joy and excitement hearing about all the things God is doing (Luk 2:19)
• Obeyed The Law and customs (Mar 16:1; Luk 2:27)

As A Sinner

• Mary didn’t fully understand or believe that Jesus would rise on the 3rd day (Mar 16:1).
• Mary mistakenly left Jesus in Jerusalem and went back home. Later they searched with family and around town then went back to Jerusalem days later (Luk 2:43-45)
• Mary didn’t fully understand who her son actually was (Luk 2:50) and only after his resurrection did she fully understand (Luk 24:8)
• Mary admitted and knew she needed a savior and salvation for her sin (Luke 1:46-49)

• Spiritual Encounters
• Mary personally encountered Angels telling her about the incarnation (Luk 1:30
• Eye witness to the crucifixion (Jhn 19:25)
• Chosen by God to be first witnesses to the Resurrection (Luk 24:10)

NON BIBICAL TEACHINGS ABOUT MARY

• Divine Motherhood: The claim that Mary is the Mother of God, meaning she is the mother of Jesus, who is both fully God and fully human. 
  • Though, technically this can be understood as true in the sense that Jesus is God and Mary is the mother to God incarnate in the form of Jesus. Sadly, over the centuries this idea has evolved and morphed into a heresy.
  • NO WHERE in Holy Scripture is she ever given this title. God, the Holy Spirit, via Apostolic authors NEVER grant her that title or concept.
  • First known appearance of this concept is in the mid 2nd century in a discredited unreliable spurious and dubious semi-gnostic apocrypha writing; which was never considered scripture and was even condemned by the Pope in 405AD.
  • The Council of Ephesus in 431 AD recognized Mary as “the mother of God” to address Nestorianism heresy that said Jesus was two different persons. To argue that Jesus was 1 person, with 2 natures, in 1 person, the person of Jesus; it then follows that Mary gave birth to the 1 person of 2 natures, one of which is divine, God incarnate; thus, she is technically the mother of God in language and logistical terms (though Jesus himself never personally called her mother). This idea is DIFFERENT than to say Mary gave birth to God the Father, which is blasphemy.
    • But, due to modern common historical and biblical ignorance regarding that phrase, the Roman Catholic Church has essentially morphed that logical thought into some sort of divinity of Mary; which is heresy.
  • There is debate as to the proper understanding and translation of the word used at the Council of Ephesus, “Theotokos” which could be translated, and more accurately mean the God-bearer and not mother of God)
    
• Perpetual Virginity: The claim that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus. 
  • There is ZERO scriptural support for this idea, but there is ample support IN scripture that she did not remain a virgin.
  • Helvidius author of a work written prior to 383AD against the belief in the perpetual virginity of Mary (which was all destroyed by the Catholic Church and only remains in comments and notes by Jerome). Helvidius used for support earlier writings of Tertullian and Victorinus too. It was Jerome who wrote in support for this extra biblical apocrypha idea and drew support from the Protoevangelium of James which is a discredited semi-gnostic apocrypha source from the 2nd century; which was later condemned by Pope Innocent I in 405AD and rejected by the Gelasian Decree around 500AD. Only Catholics view Helvidianism in this relation as a heresy, solely based off of tradition and extra biblical authorities.
    
• Immaculate Conception & Sinlessness: The claim that Mary was conceived without original sin, meaning she was free from the stain of sin from the moment of her conception. 
  • This is NOT mentioned or alluded to in Holy Scripture, in fact, scripture records her in several errors and records her stating that she needs a savior too.
  • Jesus himself said only God is good (Mark 10:18), and does not exclude his mother of whom he only refers to her as “woman”.
  • Paul, an Apostle, would have been fully aware about Mary’s sinlessness when he would write as he was moved by the Holy Spirit, but he NEVER excludes Mary when he talks about how everyone are sinners (Rom 3:23)
  • John, the Apostle, and adopted son of Mary (per Jesus on the cross) even states, “If any man says he has no sin he is a liar and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 1:8)
  • So little of importance is this Catholic Doctrine that Holy Scripture doesn’t even mention her being born.
  • A Handbook of the Catholic Faith: “This point of doctrine [the immaculate conception] is not expressly dealt with anywhere in the Bible, nor was it preached by the Apostles, and for many centuries it was not mentioned at all by the Church. Gradually, however, as the idea of the future dogma began to develop among the faithful, theologians submitted the point to the closest examination, and finally, the view then generally prevailing was formally pronounced as a dogma of the Church by His Holiness Pope Pius IX in 1854” (p. 238).
    • A Handbook of the Catholic Faith (Garden City, NY: Image Books, 1956). The work was authored by N.G.M. Van Doornik, S. Jelsma, & A. Van De Lisdonk. The book has the Imprimatur (official endorsement) of the Roman Church.
      
• Assumption into Heaven: The claim that Mary was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. 
  • There is ZERO scriptural support for this idea, in fact, after Acts 1, she vanishes in the divinely inspired history of the Church. This shows that she wasn’t venerated or held to the current esteem like she is now in the early church.
  • Being such a monumentous event, it would have been recorded by Luke if it was an actual event and taught in the early church, but it wasn’t.
    
• Queen of Heaven: The claim that “exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son” CCC 966
  • There is ZERO scriptural support for this idea in any form or fashion, in fact, it contradicts explicit truths in Holy Scripture (Isaiah 42:8)
  • Muhammad even understood this is what the “church” was teaching, idolizing Mary, so it is recorded in the Quran this heretical mischaracterization and heretical teaching of Mary calling her 1 of the 3 in the Trinity.
    
• Mary Mediatrix: The claim that Mary is the mediator between us and Jesus.
  • There is ZERO scriptural support for this idea in any form or fashion, in fact, it contradicts explicit truths in Holy Scripture (1 Tim 2:5; Rom 8:34; Heb 7:24-26; John 14:6; 1 Peter 1:3) that Jesus alone is our mediator, life, and hope with ZERO mention of Mary.

Mary Worship

To know if the Catholic Church condones, teaches, and encourages the worship of Mary, we look no further then their own official statements on matters of faith and Mary.

“Mary has by grace been exalted above all angels and men to a place second only to her Son” (Vatican Council II, p. 421). “This mother…is waiting and preparing your home for you,” (Handbook for Todays Catholic, p. 31).

An invented teaching and not found anywhere in Holy Scripture. She is above all men? Who put her second only to her Son? God didn’t say this. Since God didn’t reveal this in his Holy Word, a person, a sinner, started teaching this at some point and it stuck and became Catholic dogma.

“By asking Mary to pray for us, we acknowledge ourselves to be poor sinners and we address ourselves to the ‘Mother of Mercy,’ the All-Holy One,” (CCC 2677).

Literally called Mary, “the All-Holy One“. What does God say about this? 1 Samuel 2:2: “There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you, and there is no Rock like our God.” Putting Mary on par with the holiness of God is literally and explicitly idolatry. This is an official teaching of the Catholic Church.

“Mary is the perfect Orans (pray-er), a figure of the Church. When we pray to her, we are adhering with her to the plan of the Father,” (CCC 2679).

What Holy Scripture states is vastly different: “He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). If Mary isn’t worshiped, why do people feel the need or requirement to go to Mary first, and not the Son of God, even after Holy Scripture tells us to “come to God through HIM” It’s because she is an idol.

“The liturgical feasts dedicated to the Mother of God and Marian prayer, such as the rosary, are an epitome of the whole Gospel,” (par. 971).

Calling Mariology and injecting the Mother of God into the gospel message is literal heresy. At NO POINT in ALL of HOLY SCRIPTURE when the Gospel is proclaimed, mentions ANYTHING about Mary.

Galatians 1:6-9 settles this heresy and exposes this official Catholic doctrine as heretical garbage: “⁶ I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— ⁷ not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. ⁸ But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. ⁹ As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.“

Big statement here: “even if WE” who is “we”? The Apostles. Who are the various Catholic “sees”? They are claimed to be continuations of Apostolic succession. So, since THEY preach “a different gospel” they are heretics. Considering, the injection of Mary into the the gospel IS LITERALLY DIFFERENT than ALL the times the gospel was proclaimed in Holy Scripture; THEREFORE, they shall be accursed.

Mary, “…by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation…(CCC par. 969)

First of all, Mary interceding is heresy, only Jesus (Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25) and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27) does this.

Second of all, all throughout Jesus’ ministry, HE says HE is the only that GIVES eternal life.

This is how you know its Mary Worship, she takes on the duties of God, becomes more and more god-like as the centuries go on. They want HER to do the things that only the worthy Son of God can do. That transform HER into God’s exact likeness, and then only claim to “venerate” her…