The line of descent
Matthew 1:1–17FocusAbraham, David, and Christ
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy places Jesus within the history of Israel and introduces the promises that frame the Gospel.
interpretation Matthew 1:20
KJVBut while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Read it in context
Jesus' birth announced
Start reading at Matthew 1:18 (Matthew 1:18 to Matthew 1:25).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The announcement to Joseph identifies the child's name and mission, linking the birth account to Scripture's fulfilment.
- 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
- 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
- 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
- 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
- 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
- 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
- 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
- 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 1:1–1:25): The genealogy introduces Jesus' ancestry; the birth account concerns Mary, Joseph, and the angel who reassures Joseph. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jesus' birth announced. Read Matthew 1:18 through Matthew 1:25 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The announcement to Joseph identifies the child's name and mission, linking the birth account to Scripture's fulfilment. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus' birth announced (Matthew 1:18 to Matthew 1:25). Start reading at Matthew 1:18. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 1:18, Matthew 1:25, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment
The notes distinguish explicit fulfillment statements from other explicit New Testament applications. They do not assume every detail of the surrounding prophecy has already been fulfilled.
Emmanuel and the virgin conception
NT explicitly identifies fulfillment
- Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10–17
- New Testament: Matthew 1:18–25 (current passage)
Matthew explicitly applies Isaiah's sign to Jesus' conception and birth. Isaiah's original setting is the sign given in the days of Ahaz; Matthew's fulfillment statement should be read alongside that setting.
Related passages
- while Ps 25:8-9 Ps 94:19 Ps 119:125 Ps 143:8 Prov 3:5-6 Prov 12:5 Isa 26:3 Isa 30:21
- the angel Judg 13:3,8-9 Luke 1:10-13,19,26-38 Luke 2:8-14
- in Matt 2:13,19,22 Gen 31:11 Num 12:6 Job 4:13-16 Job 33:15-17 Joel 2:28
- Joseph Isa 7:2,13 Jer 33:26 Luke 2:4
- fear not Matt 28:5 Gen 46:3 1 Kgs 17:13 Isa 51:7 Jer 40:9 Luke 1:30
- that Matt 1:18 Jer 31:22
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 1
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusConception and saving mission
Connection to the wholeThe announcement to Joseph identifies the child's name and mission, linking the birth account to Scripture's fulfilment.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.