The narrative in Matthew 1:18-25 must be read within the context of the previous chapter. This section continues and explains the genealogy in verses 1–17. However, it shifts from a list of names to a prose narrative—a freely composed account.
The previous chapter showed the genealogy of the Lord Jesus. Now, it explains how the last name “Jesus Christ” entered that genealogy. If we read verses 1–17 more carefully, we notice an asymmetrical statement. In verse 16, Matthew writes: “…Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus…” Why does it not read like the earlier verses: “…Joseph who fathered Jesus”? The answer is found in verses 18–25.
Matthew uses the same word to describe origin, birth, or genealogy in both verse 1 and verse 18. This is not accidental. In verse 18, Matthew wants to emphasize that the true origin, birth, or genealogy of Jesus Christ is not only the list of His ancestors, but also His moment of birth itself: “…Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit.”
In first-century Jewish tradition, betrothal was not merely a promise to marry as we understand engagement in the modern world. Betrothal was a binding legal contract. Thus, a betrothed couple was legally considered husband and wife, even though they had not yet lived together or had sexual relations. Breaking a betrothal required a formal bill of divorce, just as divorce would in other circumstances. If a man died during the betrothal period, the woman was called a widow, not an ex-fiancée. This is important for understanding the shock Joseph felt upon discovering that Mary was pregnant.
God can do anything that seems impossible to humans; nothing is impossible before Him. Filling Mary’s womb with the seed of Jesus through the agency of the Holy Spirit is God’s unparalleled masterpiece. It is a demonstration of God’s greatness and, at the same time, shows His prerogative in bringing forth the Son of Man who would become the Redeemer of humanity. Do not limit God in bringing about His works, His formation, and His will in the lives of believers. What is required of believers is wholehearted submission and obedience. Surely, all will result in good.
Finding Mary pregnant in an irregular way made it understandable that Joseph intended to divorce Mary quietly. The pregnancy was real, visible, and could not be hidden. Risks and dangers awaited them both. Joseph did not know that his betrothed Mary’s pregnancy was from the Holy Spirit.
In verse 19, it is said: “For Joseph her husband…” Matthew refers to Joseph as Mary’s husband, not her fiancé. Again, this statement affirms that under Jewish law, Joseph and Mary were already in a binding marital status, even though they had not yet lived together. It is stated that Joseph was a man of good heart, moral, just, and devout in a religious sense—living according to the Law (Torah) of the Old Covenant. Yet what Joseph did next seems like a contradiction. How could a man known as righteous, devout, and law-abiding not strictly enforce the law?
Joseph chose not to disgrace Mary for her unusual pregnancy publicly. Did not the Torah permit public accusation and, in extreme cases, even prescribe the death penalty by stoning? Not only pregnancy outside marriage, but a woman found guilty of adultery (John 8:1–11) could be judged and stoned to death. Yet Joseph chose a different path.
The truth of the Torah must be upheld, but love fulfils the law. This statement does not set one side against the other. Instead, it shows the true meaning of the law itself. Love and compassion are its core and foundation. Joseph understood the law more deeply than as mere rules. Love overcomes all. That is why Joseph became part of God’s long process of human salvation. As believers, we should follow Joseph’s example. Love and compassion, even toward enemies, should be given—given, and given.
The truth of the Torah must be upheld, but love fulfils the law. This statement does not set one side against the other. Instead, it shows the true meaning of the law itself. Love and compassion are its core and foundation. Joseph understood the law more deeply than as mere rules. Love overcomes all. That is why Joseph became part of God’s long process of human salvation. As believers, we should follow Joseph’s example. Love and compassion, even toward enemies, should be given—given, and given.