Mathew begins his gospel by tracing the line of Joseph through and beyond David and Bathsheba. When Joseph found his future wife pregnant he wanted to quietly put her away (dissolve their engagement) to avoid disgrace in the eyes of Jewish culture. Gabriel then appears to Joseph in a dream saying, "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit". It is when Mary returned from her three month visit with Elizabeth (John the Baptist's mom), that her pregnant condition began to show. Joseph's indignation dissolved upon Gabriel's announcement because he knew something larger was in motion.