Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew 1:18-25

[18] Now  of Jesus  Christ  on this wise:  his  mother  Mary  was espoused  to Joseph,  before  they  came together,  she was found  with child  of  the Holy  Ghost.  [19] Then  Joseph  her  husband,  a just  man, and  not  willing  her  was minded  her  away  privily.  [20] But  while he  thought on  behold,  the angel  of the Lord  appeared  unto him  in  a dream,  saying,  Joseph,  thou son  of David,  fear  not  to take  Mary  thy wife:  for  that which is conceived  in  her  of  the Holy  Ghost.  [21] And  she shall bring forth  a son,  and  thou shalt call  his  name  JESUS:  for  he  shall save  his  people  from  their  sins.  [22] Now  all  was done,  that  it might be fulfilled  which  of  the Lord  by  the prophet,  saying,  [23] Behold,  a virgin  shall be with child,  and  shall bring forth  a son,  and  they shall call  his  name  Emmanuel,  which  being interpreted  God  with  [24] Then  Joseph  from  sleep  did  as  the angel  of the Lord  had bidden  him,  and  took  unto him  his wife:  [25] And  knew  her  not  till  she had brought forth  her  son:  and  he called  his  name  JESUS. 

What does Matthew 1:18-25 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The first sentence in this pericope (section) serves as a title for the section, as the sentence in Matthew 1:1 did for Matthew 1:1-17. Matthew recorded the supernatural birth of Jesus to demonstrate further His qualification as Israel"s Messiah. He wanted to show that Mary could not have become pregnant by another man. These verses show how Jesus came to be the heir of Joseph and thus qualified to be Israel"s King.
"Matthew ultimately is arguing that Jesus recapitulates the pattern of Israel"s experience while also presenting him as Israel"s hope." [1]