Matthew 1
Matthew 1 opens the New Testament by presenting the genealogy of Jesus Christ, establishing His lineage through King David and Abraham. The chapter also recounts the miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy. This introduction lays the foundation for Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, rooted in Israel’s history and divine promises.
Matthew 1:1-6 (NKJV)
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:
2 Abraham begot Isaac, Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers.
3 Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram.
4 Ram begot Amminadab, Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon.
5 Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse,
6 and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.
The genealogy begins with Abraham, the father of Israel, and David, the king whose lineage was promised to bring forth the Messiah. This list includes notable ancestors, including Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth, showing God’s grace in working through unexpected and diverse people. David's connection to Jesus emphasizes His royal lineage, affirming the prophecy of a Savior from David's line.
Matthew 1:7-11 (NKJV)
7 Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa.
8 Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah.
9 Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah.
10 Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah.
11 Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon.
This section lists the kings of Judah, from Solomon to Josiah, showing both righteous and wicked rulers in Jesus’ ancestry. Despite their varied faithfulness, God continued His plan. The mention of the Babylonian exile emphasizes Israel’s hardships and God’s faithfulness to His promises, even through national crisis.
Matthew 1:12-16 (NKJV)
12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel.
13 Zerubbabel begot Abiud, Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor.
14 Azor begot Zadok, Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud.
15 Eliud begot Eleazar, Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob.
16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.
Post-exile generations reflect the continuity of God’s promise, even without a throne in Israel. The lineage culminates with Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, showing Jesus' rightful place in David's line. By stating that Jesus was born of Mary, Matthew hints at the virgin birth, soon clarified in the following verses.
Matthew 1:17 (NKJV)
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations.
Matthew emphasizes three sets of fourteen generations, possibly for memorization and symbolism, showcasing God’s orderly plan in history. This structure highlights Jesus as the culmination of Israel's history, connecting Abraham's promise to David’s kingship and leading to the Messiah.
Matthew 1:18-21 (NKJV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.
20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Mary’s miraculous conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit emphasizes Jesus’ divine origin. Joseph’s initial intention to quietly divorce Mary reflects his compassion and righteousness. The angel’s message reassures Joseph, revealing Jesus’ divine mission to save people from sin. Naming Him “Jesus,” meaning “God saves,” affirms His purpose as Savior.
Matthew 1:22-23 (NKJV)
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
This passage highlights the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy through the birth of Jesus, identifying Him as Immanuel—God's presence dwelling with humanity. Through Jesus, God came to live among His people not in a temple made of stone, but in a living, personal way. This reflects Haggai 2:9’s promise of a "greater glory" in the latter temple, which Christians see as realized in Jesus Himself as the ultimate temple. As the true "temple" of God, Jesus embodies God's full presence, offering direct access to His grace and communion, surpassing even the glory that once filled Solomon’s Temple. In this way, Jesus brings God’s presence into the world as never before, fulfilling the hope of "God with us."
Matthew 1:24-25 (NKJV)
24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,
25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.
Joseph’s obedience reflects his faith and acceptance of God’s plan. By taking Mary as his wife and refraining from physical intimacy until after Jesus' birth, Joseph honored the divine nature of the virgin birth. Naming Jesus secured His place in the Davidic lineage, underscoring Joseph’s submission to God’s will in the unfolding of salvation.