Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 1:18-19
Jewish law regarded an engaged couple as virtually married. Usually women married at about 13 or 14 years of age, [Note: France, p. 50.] and their husbands were often several years older. Normally a one-year period of waiting followed the betrothal before the consummation of the marriage. During that year the couple could only break their engagement with a divorce.". . . a betrothed girl was a widow if her fiance died (Kethub. i.2), and this whether the man had ’taken’ her into his house or... 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