Matthew 1:24

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

Then {G1161} Joseph {G2501} being raised {G1326} from {G575} sleep {G5258} did {G4160} as {G5613} the angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} had bidden {G4367} him {G846}, and {G2532} took {G3880} unto him {G846} his wife {G1135}:

When Yosef awoke he did what the angel of ADONAI had told him to do -- he took Miryam home to be his wife,

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and embraced Mary as his wife.

And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife;

Matthew 1:24 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Jesus' birth, showcasing Joseph's profound obedience and faith.

Context

This verse immediately follows the angelic revelation to Joseph in a dream, as described in Matthew 1:20-23. Joseph, a righteous man (Matthew 1:19), had discovered Mary, his betrothed, was pregnant before they were married. His initial inclination was to quietly divorce her to avoid public shame. However, the angel of the Lord intervened, revealing that Mary's pregnancy was by the Holy Ghost and that the child was to be named Jesus, for he would save his people from their sins. This divine message affirmed Mary's purity and revealed God's miraculous plan for the Messiah's arrival.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Divine Will: Joseph's immediate action upon waking demonstrates a remarkable willingness to submit to God's instructions, even when they conflicted with societal norms or his personal plans. He "did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him," highlighting prompt and complete obedience.
  • Faith and Trust: Despite the scandalous implications of taking a pregnant fiancée as his wife, Joseph chose to believe the supernatural explanation given by the angel. His actions reflect deep trust in God's word and His overarching plan for salvation.
  • Joseph's Righteousness Confirmed: While already described as a "just man" in Matthew 1:19, his obedience here further solidifies his character as one who honored God above all else. His righteousness was not just about adhering to the law, but about humble submission to divine revelation.
  • Divine Guidance: The narrative underscores God's active involvement in guiding those He chooses for His purposes. The angel's appearance was essential to clear Joseph's doubts and set the stage for Jesus' legitimate birth within the family line of David.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him" is significant. The Greek word for "bidden" (prostasso) carries the sense of a command or an authoritative instruction. Joseph did not merely consider or postpone; he acted decisively and immediately. This highlights the weight and clarity of the angelic message and Joseph's unwavering response to it.

Practical Application

Joseph's example in Matthew 1:24 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It challenges us to consider:

  • Responding to God's Call: Are we willing to obey God's guidance, even when it seems illogical, difficult, or socially unconventional? Joseph's swift response teaches us the value of immediate obedience.
  • Trusting God's Plan: When faced with circumstances that defy human understanding, do we trust that God has a greater purpose at work? Joseph trusted God's miraculous explanation for Mary's pregnancy, paving the way for the Messiah.
  • Humility in Service: Joseph, though a key figure in the lineage of Jesus, quietly fulfilled his role without seeking personal glory. His humility is a model for serving God's kingdom.

This verse reminds us that God often works through ordinary people who are willing to respond with extraordinary faith and obedience to His divine will.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 15:14

    Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

  • James 2:21

    Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

  • James 2:26

    For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

  • Exodus 40:27

    And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

  • Hebrews 11:8

    By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

  • John 2:5

    His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

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