(7) Behold, a Virgin Has Conceived!
Matthew 1:18-25
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ happened this way: Mary, the mother of Jesus, was pledged to be married to Joseph. But before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, planned to put her away secretly.
20But while he was thinking about these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
22Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,1 which translated means, “God with us.”
24Then Joseph, being raised from his sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary as his wife. 25But he did not know her until she had brought forth her firstborn son.2 And he called His name JESUS.
(7) Behold, a Virgin Has Conceived!
Matthew 1:18-25 (KJV)
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. 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. 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. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 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. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
[1] According to Josephus, a first century Jewish historian, Herod had made his son a king equal to himself and they were ruling over Syria and Judah from hated Samaria. Both died shortly after the birth of Jesus, which was a sign that the Messiah had come. Sixty five years later Samaria was destroyed, which was another sign.
Isaiah went to king Ahaz of Judea and told him not to worry about the kings of Syria and Samaria, for Samaria and its king would be taken care of “within” 65 years. Of course this did not make much sense then, for the two kings of Ahaz’s day were knocking at his door and the people of Jerusalem were shaking like “trees” in “the wind.” Isaiah told Ahaz to ask for a sign. He refused, so Isaiah said, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. . . . For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.” Click on www.Isaiah7-14.com for more info.
[2] In other words, they had no sexual relationship until after Jesus was born.