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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 1:18-25

JESUS THE CHRIST BY DIVINE ORIGIN . Recorded by Matthew only. The frequent similarity of language found in Luke 1:26-35 ( vide ' Synopticon ') is probably due to the fact that Joseph and Mary not unnaturally fell into the way of using the same words to express two messages of similar import. The object of this paragraph is to show that Messiah was in origin not of man but of God. This fact was accepted even by his reputed father Joseph, who was only convinced of it after... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 1:18-25

The birth of Jesus Christ. I. THE DISTRESS OF MARY . 1 . She was betrothed to Joseph. They had loved one another with a pure and holy love; now they were betrothed. The tie of betrothal was in the eyes of the Jews as sacred as that of marriage. The bridegroom had not yet taken home his bride; she was still in her parents' house. They were looking forward to the coming nuptials. It was the time upon which, years afterwards, men look back with such tender recollections—the time... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 1:20

But while he thought on these things ; when (Revised Version); ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος . The tense lays stress, not on the continuance of his meditation (contrast Acts 10:19 ), but on the fact that the determination to which he had already come ( vide supra ) was already in his mind at the time when the following event happened. "These things;" his determination and its causes. Behold ; unexpectedly. Though common in St. Matthew, it never lacks the connotation of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 1:20

Dreams as revelations. It has been said that dreams represent the usual mode of Divine communication with persons who are outside the covenant. But this view is not fully maintained by a study of all the incidents narrated. It is true of Abimelech ( Genesis 20:3-7 ), of Laban ( Genesis 31:24 ), of Pharaoh's butler and baker ( Genesis 40:5-19 ), of Pharaoh ( Genesis 41:1 - 7), of the Midianite ( 7:13-15 ), of Nebuchadnezzar ( Daniel 2:1 , Daniel 2:31 ; Daniel 4:5 , Daniel 4:8... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 1:21

The first half is almost verbally identical with the promise to Mary in Luke 1:31 . It is, perhaps, hypercritical to see anything more than a coincidence when such common terms are used, but it was not unnatural that the communications of the angels to both Mary and Joseph should be purposely clothed in language similar to that used of Sarah ( Genesis 17:19 ), and in measure to that used of Hannah. And she shall bring forth . Is the slight adversative force ( δέ ) to be seen in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 1:21

The name "Jesus." "Jesus" was the personal name of our Lord, the Greek equivalent of the old Jewish name "Joshua," and not unknown in Hebrew families. Therefore to his contemporaries it would not have the unique associations that it has for us. It would be merely the designation of an individual. But everything that Christ touches is elevated to a new value by his contact with it. Now that he has been named "Jesus," that name is to us precious "as ointment poured forth." I. THE MAIN ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 1:21

The "Name which is above every name." In introduction dwell briefly on the thought of the Divine care, shown, first , in foreguarding Israel and, so to say, the world so early from mistake as to the character of their coming Saviour, Hope, King; and, secondly , in guiding Israel from the very first to understand that whatever breadth, height, scope, might belong to the salvation of the Saviour who was to be, it could in the first instance only be attained through men becoming... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 1:21

A mission revealed in a twofold Name. The fact confronts us, and sets us upon earnest inquiry, that one name was prophesied for Messiah, and another name was given to him when he came. He was to be called "Immanuel," and he was called "Jesus." Now, are we to understand that these are two names, and that Messiah is to be known as "Immanuel-Jesus"? or are we to see in the name Jesus a full and sufficient embodiment of the idea contained in the name "Immanuel"? Jewish names, and especially... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 1:20

He thought on these things - He did not act hastily. He did not take the course which the law would have permitted him to do, if he had been hasty, violent, or unjust. It was a case deeply affecting his happiness, his character, and the reputation and character of his chosen companion. God will guide the thoughtful and the anxious. And when we have looked patiently at a perplexed subject, and know not what to do, then God, as in the case of Joseph, will interpose to lead us and direct our way.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 1:21

His name Jesus - The name Jesus is the same as Saviour. It is derived from the verb signifying to save, In Hebrew it is the same as Joshua. In two places in the New Testament it is used where it means Joshua, the leader of the Jews into Canaan, and in our translation the name Joshua should have been retained, Acts 7:45; Hebrews 4:8. It was a very common name among the Jews.He shall save - This expresses the same as the name, and on this account the name was given to him. He saves people by... read more

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