◄ Matthew 1 ►
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The Genealogy of Jesus (Ruth 4:18–22; Luke 3:23–38) 1This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. 3Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram.a 4Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon. 5Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife, 7Solomon the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa.b 8Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah. 9Uzziah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. 10Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon,c Amon the father of Josiah, 11and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon. 12After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor. 14Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud. 15Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, 16and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17In all, then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ. The Birth of Jesus (Isaiah 7:10–16; Luke 2:1–7) 18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged in marriage to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly. 20But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus,d because He will save His people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel”e (which means, “God with us”f). 24When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and embraced Mary as his wife. 25But he had no union with herg until she gave birth to a Son. And he gave Him the name Jesus. Footnotes: 3 a Greek Aram, a variant of Ram; also in verse 4; see 1 Chronicles 2:9–10. 7 b Greek Asaph, a variant of Asa; also in verse 8; see 1 Chronicles 3:10. 10 c Greek Amōs, a variant spelling of Amon; twice in this verse; see 1 Chronicles 3:14. 21 d Jesus means The LORD saves. 23 e Literally they will call His name Immanuel; Isaiah 7:14 (see also DSS) 23 f See Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 8:8, and Isaiah 8:10. 25 g Literally he did not know her Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Matthew 1 Summary The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus Verses 1–17 – The Royal Genealogy Matthew opens by tracing Jesus’ legal line through Joseph, anchoring Him to Abraham, the covenant father, and to David, the covenant king. The carefully structured list of “fourteen generations” underscores God’s ordered plan in history and highlights Jesus as rightful heir to the throne. Verses 18–25 – Birth of Jesus Christ Mary is found to be “with child by the Holy Spirit.” Joseph, a just man, plans a quiet divorce until an angel assures him: “That which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (v.20). Joseph obeys, names the Child “Jesus,” and receives Him as his legal son. Matthew notes Isaiah 7:14: “They will call Him Immanuel,” affirming that in Jesus, “God with us” has arrived. Matthew 1, the opening chapter of the New Testament's first book, establishes the historical and theological foundation for the life of Jesus Christ. By tracing Jesus' lineage from Abraham and David, the chapter establishes Christ's royal and Abrahamic heritage. It then recounts the miraculous circumstances of Jesus' conception and birth, highlighting Joseph's obedient response to God's command in a dream. Historical Setting Matthew writes in a period when Rome governs Judea, Herod the Great rules locally, and the Jewish people long for deliverance. Lineages matter for property, priesthood, and especially messianic claims. Presenting a royal pedigree first meets Jewish expectations that the Messiah comes through David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Authorship and Audience Early Christian writers such as Papias identify the author as Matthew the tax collector, one of the Twelve. The Gospel repeatedly explains Jewish customs (e.g., 15:2) yet quotes the Hebrew Scriptures more than any other Gospel, suggesting a mixed but strongly Jewish readership needing bridge-building to Gentile believers. Purpose and Themes 1. Jesus is the promised King. 2. God’s plan is sovereign over history. 3. Righteousness flows from trusting obedience, modeled by Joseph. Structure of the Genealogy • 3 sets of 14 names (Abraham → David, David → Exile, Exile → Messiah). • “Fourteen” may echo the numeric value of “David” in Hebrew (D = 4, V = 6, D = 4). • Omissions condense the list without altering legal succession—a common ancient practice. Key Figures Highlighted • Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3) – covenant of blessing. • David (2 Samuel 7:14) – promise of an eternal throne. • Jeconiah (Jeremiah 22:24-30) – marks exile yet God preserves the line. • Joseph – heir of David, called “son of David” (v.20), showing the title now rests on a humble carpenter. Women in the Genealogy Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba (“the wife of Uriah”), and Mary break cultural norms by inclusion: • All faced scandal or outsider status, spotlighting grace. • Their accounts foreshadow Gentile inclusion (Romans 3:29). • Each demonstrates bold faith that furthered God’s plan. Legal vs. Biological Lineage Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3) traces through Mary’s family line back to Adam, emphasizing universal salvation. Matthew gives the legal royal line through Joseph. Together they confirm Jesus’ royal rights and physical descent from David (Romans 1:3-4). Fourteen Generations and the Exile The exile to Babylon (586 BC) was Israel’s lowest point. By placing Jesus after the exile section, Matthew shows God’s restoration culminating in Christ (Jeremiah 29:11). Joseph’s Righteousness A “righteous man” (v.19) keeps Torah yet tempers justice with mercy. He mirrors Psalm 112:4 – “Gracious and compassionate and righteous.” His immediate obedience sets the tone for discipleship throughout the Gospel. Holy Spirit Conception “From the Holy Spirit” (v.20) stresses divine initiative. Jesus is fully human (born of Mary) and fully divine (conceived by the Spirit), fulfilling Genesis 3:15’s promise of the woman’s seed crushing the serpent. Name Meanings • Jesus (Greek form of Hebrew Yehoshua): “Yahweh saves.” • Immanuel: “God with us.” The twin names declare mission and nature—He saves by being present. Fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14 Matthew quotes: “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (v.23). In the original Isaiah context, God promises a sign to King Ahaz; Matthew reveals the greater, ultimate sign in Christ (Isaiah 9:6). First-Century Marriage Customs Betrothal was legally binding; infidelity required divorce (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). Joseph’s plan to end matters “quietly” protected Mary from public disgrace or worse. His surrender of personal rights foreshadows Jesus’ own humility (Philippians 2:5-8). Angelology Snapshot The “angel of the Lord” appears four times to Joseph (1:20; 2:13, 19, 22). Divine guidance steers the family and fulfills prophecy, assuring readers that God directs history, not political powers. Archaeological and Cultural Notes • Nazareth, a small Galilean village, has yielded first-century house remains of stone and cave rooms consistent with Matthew’s humble setting. • Royal records—likely kept in the Temple—were destroyed in AD 70. Matthew’s Gospel thus preserves Jesus’ lineage before the fall of Jerusalem. • Ossuaries (bone boxes) inscribed with names like “Joseph,” “Mary,” and “Jesus” demonstrate how common these names were, underscoring the need for precise genealogies to distinguish the Messiah. Intertextual Links • Genesis 49:10 – scepter in Judah fulfilled in Jesus. • Micah 5:2 – Bethlehem birthplace (Matthew 2 continues). • Hosea 11:1 parallels Israel’s account with Christ (2:15). Matthew constantly shows Jesus recapitulating Israel’s history yet succeeding where the nation failed. Practical Takeaways • God keeps promises across centuries; believers can trust His timing. • Grace welcomes outsiders and the morally bruised. • Obedience, even when misunderstood, aligns us with God’s redemptive plan. • Jesus’ dual name assures salvation and presence; He rescues and remains. Closing Reflection Matthew 1 turns what could seem a dry list into a vibrant testament of God’s faithfulness. Every branch, every unlikely person, every twist of exile and return points to the night Joseph heard an angel say, “Do not be afraid.” From that moment forward, fear yields to faith because “God with us” has stepped into human history. Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 12:3 God's promise to Abraham that all nations will be blessed through his seed. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 God's covenant with David, promising an eternal kingdom through his lineage. Isaiah 7:14 The prophecy of the virgin birth, fulfilled in Jesus. Luke 3:23-38 Another account of Jesus' genealogy, emphasizing His connection to all humanity. Teaching Points The Genealogy of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:1-17 presents the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph, the husband of Mary. This establishes Jesus' legal right to the throne of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. Fulfillment of Prophecy The genealogy highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and David. Jesus is the promised seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:3) and the rightful heir to David's throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Inclusion of Gentiles and Sinners The genealogy includes women like Rahab and Ruth, who were Gentiles, and Bathsheba, who was involved in a scandalous sin. This inclusion demonstrates God's grace and the universal scope of the gospel. The Virgin Birth Matthew 1:18-25 describes the miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, affirming the doctrine of the virgin birth. This event fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel . Joseph's Righteousness and Obedience Joseph's response to the angel's message shows his righteousness and obedience. Despite the potential for public disgrace, he takes Mary as his wife, demonstrating faith and trust in God's plan. Practical Applications Trust in God's Promises Just as God fulfilled His promises through Jesus' lineage, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises in our lives. Embrace God's Grace The inclusion of imperfect people in Jesus' genealogy reminds us that God's grace is available to all, regardless of our past. Obedience to God's Call Like Joseph, we are called to obey God's direction, even when it challenges societal norms or personal comfort. Value of Scripture The genealogy underscores the importance of understanding Scripture and its fulfillment in Christ, encouraging us to study the Bible diligently. People 1. Abraham The patriarch of the Israelites, with whom God made a covenant. His name in Hebrew is אַבְרָהָם (Avraham), meaning "father of many." 2. Isaac Son of Abraham and Sarah, and father of Jacob. His name in Hebrew is יִצְחָק (Yitzchak), meaning "he will laugh." 3. Jacob Son of Isaac, also known as Israel. He had twelve sons who became the tribes of Israel. His name in Hebrew is יַעֲקֹב (Ya'akov), meaning "heel holder" or "supplanter." 4. Judah One of Jacob's twelve sons, from whom the tribe of Judah descends. His name in Hebrew is יְהוּדָה (Yehudah), meaning "praised." 5. Perez Son of Judah and Tamar. His name in Hebrew is פֶּרֶץ (Peretz), meaning "breach" or "burst forth." 6. Hezron Son of Perez. His name in Hebrew is חֶצְרוֹן (Chetzron), meaning "enclosed" or "surrounded by a wall." 7. Ram Son of Hezron. His name in Hebrew is רָם (Ram), meaning "high" or "exalted." 8. Amminadab Son of Ram. His name in Hebrew is עַמִּינָדָב (Amminadav), meaning "my kinsman is noble." 9. Nahshon Son of Amminadab, a leader of the tribe of Judah during the Exodus. His name in Hebrew is נַחְשׁוֹן (Nachshon), meaning "enchanter." 10. Salmon Son of Nahshon. His name in Hebrew is שַׂלְמוֹן (Salmon), possibly meaning "garment" or "peaceable." 11. Boaz Son of Salmon and Rahab, husband of Ruth. His name in Hebrew is בֹּעַז (Bo'az), meaning "in him is strength." 12. Obed Son of Boaz and Ruth. His name in Hebrew is עוֹבֵד (Oved), meaning "servant" or "worshiper." 13. Jesse Father of King David. His name in Hebrew is יִשַׁי (Yishai), meaning "gift." 14. David The second king of Israel, known for his heart for God. His name in Hebrew is דָּוִד (David), meaning "beloved." 15. Solomon Son of David and Bathsheba, known for his wisdom. His name in Hebrew is שְׁלֹמֹה (Shlomo), meaning "peaceful." 16. Rehoboam Son of Solomon, under whose reign the kingdom split. His name in Hebrew is רְחַבְעָם (Rechav'am), meaning "the people are enlarged." 17. Abijah Son of Rehoboam. His name in Hebrew is אֲבִיָּה (Aviyah), meaning "my father is Yahweh." 18. Asa Son of Abijah, known for his religious reforms. His name in Hebrew is אָסָא (Asa), meaning "physician" or "healer." 19. Jehoshaphat Son of Asa, known for his judicial reforms. His name in Hebrew is יְהוֹשָׁפָט (Yehoshafat), meaning "Yahweh has judged." 20. Joram Son of Jehoshaphat. His name in Hebrew is יוֹרָם (Yoram), meaning "Yahweh is exalted." 21. Uzziah Also known as Azariah, a king of Judah. His name in Hebrew is עֻזִּיָּה (Uziyahu), meaning "my strength is Yahweh." 22. Jotham Son of Uzziah, known for his building projects. His name in Hebrew is יוֹתָם (Yotam), meaning "Yahweh is perfect." 23. Ahaz Son of Jotham, known for his idolatry. His name in Hebrew is אָחָז (Achaz), meaning "he has grasped." 24. Hezekiah Son of Ahaz, known for his religious reforms. His name in Hebrew is חִזְקִיָּהוּ (Chizkiyahu), meaning "Yahweh strengthens." 25. Manasseh Son of Hezekiah, known for his long and idolatrous reign. His name in Hebrew is מְנַשֶּׁה (Menashe), meaning "causing to forget." 26. Amon Son of Manasseh. His name in Hebrew is אָמוֹן (Amon), meaning "faithful" or "trustworthy." 27. Josiah Son of Amon, known for his religious reforms. His name in Hebrew is יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ (Yoshiyahu), meaning "Yahweh supports." 28. Jeconiah Also known as Jehoiachin, son of Josiah. His name in Hebrew is יְכָנְיָה (Yekhonyah), meaning "Yahweh will establish." 29. Shealtiel Son of Jeconiah. His name in Hebrew is שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל (She'altiel), meaning "I have asked of God." 30. Zerubbabel Son of Shealtiel, leader of the first group of Jews returning from Babylonian exile. His name in Hebrew is זְרֻבָּבֶל (Zerubbavel), meaning "seed of Babylon." 31. Abiud Son of Zerubbabel. His name in Greek is Ἀβιούδ (Abioud), possibly meaning "my father is majesty." 32. Eliakim Son of Abiud. His name in Hebrew is אֶלְיָקִים (Elyakim), meaning "God will establish." 33. Azor Son of Eliakim. His name in Greek is Ἀζώρ (Azor), possibly meaning "helper." 34. Zadok Son of Azor. His name in Hebrew is צָדוֹק (Tzadok), meaning "righteous." 35. Akim Son of Zadok. His name in Greek is Ἀχείμ (Acheim), possibly meaning "the Lord will establish." 36. Eliud Son of Akim. His name in Greek is Ἐλιούδ (Elioud), possibly meaning "God is majesty." 37. Eleazar Son of Eliud. His name in Hebrew is אֶלְעָזָר (El'azar), meaning "God has helped." 38. Matthan Son of Eleazar. His name in Greek is Ματθάν (Matthan), possibly meaning "gift." 39. Jacob Son of Matthan, father of Joseph. His name in Hebrew is יַעֲקֹב (Ya'akov), meaning "heel holder" or "supplanter." 40. Joseph Husband of Mary, legal father of Jesus. His name in Hebrew is יוֹסֵף (Yosef), meaning "he will add." 41. Mary Mother of Jesus. Her name in Hebrew is מִרְיָם (Miryam), meaning "beloved" or "bitter." 42. Jesus The Messiah, Son of God. His name in Greek is Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous), derived from the Hebrew יְהוֹשׁוּעַ (Yehoshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation." Places 1. Babylon Mentioned in Matthew 1:11, 12, and 17, Babylon is referenced in the context of the Babylonian exile, a significant event in Jewish history. The exile to Babylon marked a period of captivity for the Israelites, which began in 586 BC when Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians. The Greek term used here is "Βαβυλῶνος" (Babylōnos), reflecting the historical and theological significance of this period in the lineage of Jesus. 2. Bethlehem While not explicitly mentioned in Matthew 1, Bethlehem is implied as the birthplace of Jesus, which is further elaborated in Matthew 2. Bethlehem, known as the "City of David," holds prophetic significance as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). The Hebrew root of Bethlehem is "בֵּית לֶחֶם" (Beit Lechem), meaning "House of Bread," symbolically linking to Jesus as the "Bread of Life." Events 1. Genealogy of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:1-17 outlines the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph, the husband of Mary. This genealogy establishes Jesus' legal right to the throne of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The Greek term "γενεαλογία" (genealogia) emphasizes the importance of lineage and heritage in Jewish tradition. 2. The Birth of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:18 describes the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph, was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "μνηστευθείσης" (mnēsteutheisēs) indicates a formal engagement, which was legally binding in Jewish culture. 3. Joseph's Dilemma and Angelic Revelation In Matthew 1:19-21, Joseph, described as a righteous man, considers divorcing Mary quietly to avoid public disgrace. However, an angel of the Lord appears to him in a dream, instructing him not to fear taking Mary as his wife because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. The angel tells Joseph to name the child Jesus, "for He will save His people from their sins." The name Jesus, "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous), is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 4. Fulfillment of Prophecy Matthew 1:22-23 highlights the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, stating, "Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" (which means, "God with us"). The Greek term "Ἐμμανουήλ" (Emmanouēl) underscores the divine presence with humanity through Jesus. 5. Joseph's Obedience In Matthew 1:24-25, Joseph obeys the angel's command. He takes Mary as his wife but does not consummate their marriage until she gives birth to a son, whom he names Jesus. This act of obedience reflects Joseph's faith and righteousness, aligning with the divine plan. Lessons from Matthew 1 1. The Genealogy of Grace Matthew 1 opens with a genealogy that might seem like a list of names, but it’s a profound testament to God’s grace. This lineage includes figures like Rahab and Ruth, who were not Israelites by birth, yet they played crucial roles in the lineage of Jesus. This shows that God’s plan of salvation is inclusive and extends beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries. As it is written, “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21). This genealogy reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to fulfill His divine purposes. 2. Fulfillment of Prophecy Matthew 1:22-23 highlights the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel”. This underscores the reliability of Scripture and God’s faithfulness to His promises. It’s a reminder that God’s Word is living and active, and His promises are sure. When we face uncertainty, we can trust that God’s plans are unfolding just as He has promised. 3. The Role of Joseph Joseph’s role in the birth of Jesus is a powerful example of obedience and faith. When the angel appeared to him in a dream, Joseph chose to trust God’s message and take Mary as his wife, despite the potential for public disgrace. His actions demonstrate the importance of listening to God and acting in faith, even when it’s difficult. As James 1:22 encourages us, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only”. 4. The Significance of Names Names in the Bible often carry deep meanings, and Matthew 1 is no exception. The name Jesus means “The Lord saves,” highlighting His mission to save humanity from sin. This is a powerful reminder of the purpose of Christ’s coming and the hope we have in Him. As Acts 4:12 states, “Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved”. 5. God’s Sovereign Plan The genealogy in Matthew 1 shows God’s sovereign hand at work through generations. Despite human failures and imperfections, God’s plan for salvation through Jesus was never thwarted. This encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty in our own lives, knowing that He is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). 6. The Importance of Faithfulness Joseph’s faithfulness to God’s command is a testament to the importance of being faithful in our own lives. His willingness to follow God’s direction, even when it was challenging, resulted in him playing a crucial role in the life of Jesus. This encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God will guide us in His perfect will. 7. The Humility of Christ’s Birth The humble circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth, as introduced in Matthew 1, remind us of the humility of our Savior. Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a lowly manger, emphasizing that God values humility and servitude. Philippians 2:7-8 reminds us, “He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness”. 8. God’s Unchanging Nature The fulfillment of prophecy in Matthew 1 reassures us of God’s unchanging nature. Hebrews 13:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”. This consistency provides a firm foundation for our faith, knowing that God’s character and promises remain steadfast throughout time. 9. The Power of Obedience Joseph’s obedience to God’s command to name the child Jesus is a powerful example of the impact of obedience. His actions aligned with God’s plan and brought about the fulfillment of prophecy. This teaches us that our obedience to God’s Word can have far-reaching effects, both in our lives and in the lives of others. 10. The Hope of Salvation Ultimately, Matthew 1 sets the stage for the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. The chapter reminds us that God’s plan for redemption was set in motion long before Jesus’ birth, and it culminates in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. As John 3:16 beautifully states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”. This is the ultimate message of hope and salvation for all who believe. Topics 1. The Genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-17) This section provides the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph, the husband of Mary. It emphasizes Jesus' legal right to the throne of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. The genealogy is divided into three sets of fourteen generations, highlighting significant figures such as Abraham, David, and the Babylonian exile. The Greek term "γενεαλογία" (genealogia) underscores the importance of heritage and fulfillment of prophecy. 2. The Birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:18-25) This passage describes the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus. It details how Mary was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit before she and Joseph came together. An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife and naming the child Jesus, "because He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "The Lord is salvation." This section also references the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14, highlighting the virgin birth and the name "Immanuel," meaning "God with us." Themes 1. Genealogy of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:1-17 presents the genealogy of Jesus, establishing His legal right to the throne of David. This lineage traces Jesus' ancestry through Joseph, highlighting His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The Greek term "γενεαλογία" (genealogia) underscores the importance of heritage and divine promise. 2. Fulfillment of Prophecy Matthew 1:22-23 emphasizes the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy regarding the virgin birth: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')." This theme underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. 3. Divine Conception and Virgin Birth Matthew 1:18-20 describes the miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit, affirming the doctrine of the virgin birth. The Greek word "παρθένος" (parthenos) for virgin highlights Mary's purity and the divine nature of Jesus' conception. 4. Righteousness and Obedience of Joseph Matthew 1:19-24 portrays Joseph as a righteous man who obeys God's command despite personal and societal challenges. His decision to take Mary as his wife after the angel's message reflects his faith and obedience to God's will. 5. The Name and Mission of Jesus Matthew 1:21 reveals the significance of Jesus' name: "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." The name "Jesus" (Greek: Ἰησοῦς, Iēsous) is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "The Lord is salvation," indicating His mission to save humanity. Prayer Points Thanksgiving for Fulfilled Promises Thank God for His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises through Jesus Christ. Grace and Redemption Pray for a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's grace and redemption in our lives. Obedience and Faith Ask for the strength and courage to obey God's call, even when it is difficult. Wisdom in Scripture Study Pray for wisdom and insight as we study the Bible, that we may see Christ in all of Scripture. Answering Tough Questions 1. Matthew 1:18 – How can a virgin conceive a child biologically without a human father? 2. Matthew 1:1–17 – Why does this genealogy differ from the one in Luke 3:23–38? 3. Matthew 1:1–17 – Why are certain generations and people omitted, raising questions about historical accuracy? 4. Matthew 1:22–23 – Does Isaiah 7:14 really foretell Jesus’s birth, or was that prophecy intended for a different context? 5. Matthew 1:1 – If Jesus is the Messiah from David’s line, how is this claim verified when Joseph is not his biological father? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the genealogy of Jesus Christ connect the Old and New Testaments? 2. How do the three sets of fourteen generations enrich our understanding of Jesus' lineage? 3. What is the significance of Jesus being traced back to both Abraham and David? 4. How does the virgin birth affirm the divinity of Jesus Christ? 5. In what ways does Joseph show his righteousness in the chapter? 6. What does the name "Immanuel" tell us about the nature and purpose of Jesus Christ? 7. How does Joseph's response to the angel's message demonstrate his faith? 8. How is the prophecy of a virgin birth fulfilled in this chapter? 9. How can we apply the lesson of obedience, as shown by Joseph, in our own lives? 10. In what ways does the lineage and birth of Jesus Christ affirm God's sovereignty? 11. How does Matthew 1 set the stage for the rest of the Gospel? 12. How does the theme of divine intervention present in this chapter relate to our lives today? 13. How would you react if you were in Joseph's position? 14. How does understanding Jesus' genealogy help deepen our faith? 15. How might you respond to skeptics who question the virgin birth? 16. How can this chapter inspire us to trust in God's plans, even when they seem confusing or challenging? 17. How does Matthew's emphasis on prophecy and fulfillment reinforce your understanding of God's faithfulness? 18. How does the concept of "God with us" influence your view of God's relationship with humanity? 19. How does the lineage of Jesus Christ inspire your personal walk with God? 20. What is one personal change you can make today to be more obedient to God's will, as Joseph was? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions