📖 Passage

Matthew 1:18–25 Read Matthew 1:18–25 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

In first-century Jewish culture, betrothal was a legally binding engagement, often lasting about a year before marriage. Breaking it required a formal divorce, and unfaithfulness during this period was considered adultery under the Law (Deuteronomy 22:23–24). For Mary to be found pregnant before living with Joseph would have been seen as a grave scandal, risking public shame or even stoning. This sets the stage for Joseph's quiet, compassionate response.

The announcement of Jesus' conception through the Holy Spirit fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 — the virgin bearing a son named Immanuel ("God with us"). This is more than a miraculous birth; it is the arrival of God Himself into human history. Matthew frames the event as part of God's sovereign plan to redeem His people, demonstrating that Jesus is not merely a moral teacher, but the divine Savior who came to rescue from sin.

🌿 Key Themes

• Prophecy Fulfillment — Jesus' virgin birth fulfills Isaiah 7:14, proving Him to be the promised Messiah.
• Divine Initiative — Salvation begins with God's action through the Holy Spirit, not human will or effort.
• Obedient Faith — Joseph's choice to follow the angel's command despite potential shame models trust in God's Word.
• The Power of a Name — "Jesus" means "Yahweh saves," declaring His mission from birth.
• God With Us — Immanuel signifies the incarnation: God taking on flesh to dwell among His people.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Matthew 1:18–19 – The Crisis of Betrothal

"When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly."

• Betrothal as Covenant — This was not casual dating; it was a legally binding relationship.
• Supernatural Conception — The pregnancy is attributed directly to the Holy Spirit, signaling divine origin.
• Joseph's Righteousness — His desire to protect Mary's honor shows both his justice and mercy.

Matthew 1:20–23 – Divine Revelation and Fulfillment

"Joseph… an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream… 'Do not fear to take Mary as your wife… you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.'"

• Angelic Instruction — God intervenes to direct Joseph's steps, affirming the divine plan.
• Salvation Mission — The name "Jesus" identifies His role as the one who saves from sin, not merely political oppression.
• Scriptural Continuity — Isaiah's prophecy is directly tied to the incarnation, underscoring divine faithfulness.

Matthew 1:24–25 – Obedience and Covenant Fulfillment

"When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus."

• Immediate Obedience — Joseph acts without hesitation, prioritizing God's command over societal opinion.
• Moral Purity — The marriage is honored by refraining from physical intimacy until after Jesus' birth.
• Public Declaration — Naming the child "Jesus" affirms Joseph's acceptance of God's plan.

🔍 Trusted Insight

DA Carson notes that the virgin birth "signals the dawn of the new creation, the decisive act of God's intervention in history to save His people from their sins." Spurgeon adds, "Here is the Lord of glory, taking our nature that He may redeem it, and dwelling among us to make us one with God." This matters because the virgin birth safeguards the sinlessness of Christ, ensuring He could be the perfect sacrifice for sin. Summary: The incarnation is both the fulfillment of prophecy and the foundation of redemption.

🧩 Review Questions

1. How does the virgin birth confirm both Jesus' divinity and His qualification to save?
2. What does Joseph's obedience teach us about trusting God in socially costly situations?
3. How does "God with us" change the way we view trials and God's presence in daily life?

🔍 Definitions

• Betrothal — A binding pre-marriage agreement in Jewish culture, requiring formal divorce to dissolve.
• Virgin Birth — The miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, apart from sexual relations.
• Immanuel — A Hebrew name meaning "God with us," signifying divine presence in the incarnation.
• Fulfill — To bring to completion or realization, particularly in the sense of prophetic Scripture coming true.

🙋 Application Questions

1. When have you faced a decision where obedience to God risked misunderstanding or criticism?

2. How does knowing "God with us" shape your confidence in facing uncertainty?

3. In what ways can you demonstrate faith like Joseph's in your own relationships and commitments?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Parthenos (παρθένος) — Virgin; emphasizes Mary's purity and the miraculous nature of Jesus' conception.
• Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς) — Greek form of Joshua, meaning "Yahweh saves."
• Emmanouēl (Ἐμμανουήλ) — "God with us," declaring the divine presence in Christ.
• Sōsei (σώσει) — "He will save," pointing to Jesus' mission of redemption.

📚 Cross References

Isaiah 7:14 — Prophecy of the virgin birth.

Luke 1:26–38 — Gabriel announces Jesus' birth to Mary.

John 1:14 — The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

Galatians 4:4–5 — God sent His Son, born of a woman, to redeem.

Hebrews 2:14–15 — Jesus took on flesh to defeat death and the devil.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → Matthew 2:1–12