Matthew 1:18

Matthew 1:18. The birth of Jesus Christ. Same word as in Matthew 1:1 (‘generation'). Here it means ‘origin.' The more usual word implies a ‘begetting'; the choice of this word indicates something peculiar in this birth, as does the form: ‘Abraham begat Isaac,' etc., etc.; ‘the birth of Jesus Christ, however, was in this wise.' ‘For,' in the next clause, implies: there is need of a particular account, for the circumstances were peculiar. The best critics, however, omit the word.

His Mother Mary having been betrothed to Joseph. ‘Betrothed,' not yet ‘espoused.' The betrothal was previous to the discovery. After betrothal unfaithfulness on the part of the woman was deemed adultery.

Before they came together, lived together in one house as man and wife.

She was found. Perhaps by herself according to the revelation made to her (Luke 1:26 ff.). If this verse points to a time after her return from visiting Elizabeth (see notes on Luke 1:39 ff.), her condition would soon be apparent.

Of the Holy Ghost. A statement of fact, not a part of the discovery, or Joseph would not have been perplexed. The Third Person of the Trinity is meant. Comp. Luke 1:35. ‘Conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary,' is an article not only in our Apostles' creed, but in nearly all other creeds of the ancient Church. On the other hand, neither the Scriptures nor the early Church know anything of the supernatural, immaculate conception of Mary. Christ is the sole, the absolute exception to the universal rule of sinfulness; a miracle in history.