Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 1:19
19. Then Joseph her husband—Compare Matthew 1:20, "Mary, thy wife." Betrothal was, in Jewish law, valid marriage. In giving Mary up, therefore, Joseph had to take legal steps to effect the separation. being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example—to expose her (see Deuteronomy 22:23; Deuteronomy 22:24) was minded to put her away privily—that is, privately by giving her the required writing of divorcement (Deuteronomy 24:1), in presence of only two or three witnesses, and... read more
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 1:18
18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise—or, "thus." When as his mother Mary was espoused—rather, "betrothed." to Joseph, before they came together, she was found—discovered to be. with child of the Holy Ghost—It was, of course, the fact only that was discovered; the explanation of the fact here given is the Evangelist's own. That the Holy Ghost is a living conscious Person is plainly implied here, and is elsewhere clearly taught (Acts 5:3; Acts 5:4, c.): and that, in the unity of the... read more