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Matthew
1:1-17
Why did Matthew write about Jesus’ ancestors?
Matthew wrote about Jesus’ ancestors so people would know that he rule Israel because he was a descendant of King David.
See: Covenant with David; Messiah (Christ); Ancestor and Descendant (Fathers, Forefathers, Patriarchs); Son of David
What does the name, “Jesus,” mean?
“Jesus” was the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Joshua.” The name “Joshua” meant “God saves.” Other men of the Israelites also had this name, but Jesus was unlike them because he was also the “son of David.” The title “son of David” was also a name for the messiah.
See: Messiah (Christ); Save (Salvation, Saved from Sins); Son of David
1:18-25
What did it mean “to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit”?
Scholars think that “to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit” meant that the Holy Spirit caused Mary to become pregnant. It was a miracle.
See: Holy Spirit; Miracle; Incarnation; Virgin
What did it mean that Joseph was a “righteous man”?
When Matthew wrote that Joseph was a “righteous man” it meant that he was a man that obeyed the Law of Moses. Joseph thought that Mary must have committed adultery in order for her to become pregnant. Joseph thought he should end his engagement with Mary because this was taught in the Law of Moses. Other scholars think Matthew wanted people to know that Joseph was a righteous man because he wanted to end his engagement with Mary in a quiet way, so as not to dishonor Mary.
See: Righteous (Righteousness); Adultery; Law of Moses
What did the words, “disgrace her publicly” mean in Joseph’s day.
In ancient Israel, when a woman was disgraced publicly, she was brought to court because she did something wrong. This would have caused great shame and embarrassment for Mary. Perhaps she would also have been punished.
See: Ancient Trials (Lawsuit); Punish (Punishment)
What did Matthew mean with the words, “fulfill what was spoken”?
When Matthew wrote the words, “fulfill what was spoken,” he was speaking about prophecies being fulfilled. It was prophesied that Mary would become pregnant, and Jesus would be born.
See: Isaiah 7:14 See: Fulfill (Fulfillment); Prophecy (Prophesy)
What was meant by “he took her as his wife” when Matthew spoke about Joseph and Mary?
That Joseph took Mary as his wife meant that Mary became Joseph’s wife and he took her into his home. This showed everyone that Joseph accepted Mary as his wife.