Theophylact Bulgarian. Commentary on the Gospel of Mark
Matthew 1:16. Jacob gave birth to Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom Jesus was born, called Christ.
Why is the genealogy of Joseph given here, and not the Mother of God? How did Joseph participate in that seedless birth? Here Joseph was not the true father of Christ, in order to lead the genealogy of Christ from Joseph. So, listen: indeed, Joseph had no part in the birth of Christ, and therefore had to give the genealogy of the Mother of God; but since there was a law - not to lead the genealogy according to the female line (Num. 36: 6), then Matthew did not give the genealogy of the Virgin. In addition, having given the genealogy of Joseph, he also gave her genealogy, for there was a law not to take wives either from another tribe, nor from another clan or family name, but from the same tribe and clan. Since there was such a law, it is clear that if the genealogy of Joseph is given, then the genealogy of the Mother of God is also given, for the Mother of God was from the same tribe and of the same kind; if not, how could she be betrothed to him? Thus, the evangelist kept the law, which forbade the lineage of the female line, but, nevertheless, gave the genealogy of the Mother of God, giving the genealogy of Joseph. He called him Mary's husband in accordance with the general custom, for we have the custom of calling the betrothed the betrothed husband, although the marriage has not yet been completed.
Matthew 1:17. So all generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; and from David to the resettlement to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the migration to Babylon to Christ, fourteen generations.
Matthew divided the clans into three parts to show the Jews that whether they were under the rule of judges, as was the case before David, or under the rule of kings, as it was before the resettlement, or under the rule of the high priests, as was the case before the coming of Christ, they did not receive any benefit from this in relation to virtue and needed a true judge, a king and a high priest, who is Christ. For when the kings ceased, according to the prophecy of Jacob, Christ came. But how, from the migration of Babylon to Christ, there are fourteen generations, when there are only thirteen of them? If a woman could be part of the genealogy, then we would have numbered Mary and filled in the number. But the woman is not included in the genealogy. How can this be resolved? Some say that Matthew counted the relocation as a person.
Matthew 1:18. The Nativity of Jesus Christ was like this: according to the betrothal of His Mother Mary to Joseph,
Why did God allow Mary to be betrothed, and in general, why did He give people a reason to suspect that Joseph knew her? In order for her to have a protector in adversity. For he took care of her while fleeing to Egypt and saved her. However, she was betrothed and in order to hide it from the devil. The devil, having heard that the Virgin would have in her womb, would have watched her. So, in order for the liar to be deceived, the Ever-Virgin is betrothed to Joseph. The marriage was only in appearance, in reality it was not.
before they were combined, it turned out that she had the Holy Spirit in her womb.
The word 'to combine' here means intercourse. Before they were combined, Mary conceived, which is why the amazed evangelist exclaims: “it turned out,” as if talking about something extraordinary.
Matthew 1:19. But Joseph, Her husband, being righteous and not wanting to publicize Her, wanted to secretly let Her go.
How was Joseph righteous? While the law commanded to expose the adulteress, that is, to declare and punish her, he intended to hide sin and transgress the law. The question is resolved first of all in the sense that already through this very Joseph was righteous. He did not want to be harsh, but, loving for his great kindness, he shows himself above the law and lives above the commandments of the law. Then, Joseph himself knew that Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit, and therefore did not want to expose and punish the one who conceived by the Holy Spirit, and not from an adulterer. For look what the evangelist says: 'it turned out that she has in her womb of the Holy Spirit.' For whom 'turned out'? For Joseph, that is, he learned that Mary conceived from The Holy Spirit. Therefore, I wanted to secretly let her go, as if not daring to have a wife who had received such great grace.
Matthew 1:20. But when he thought this, - behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying:
When the righteous hesitated, an angel appeared, teaching him what to do. He appears to him in a dream, because Joseph possessed strong faith. With the shepherds, as rude, the angel spoke in reality, with Joseph, as righteous and faithful, in a dream. How could he not believe when the angel taught him what he reasoned with himself and about which he did not tell anyone? When he was thinking, but did not tell anyone, an angel appeared to him. Of course, Joseph believed that this was from God, for only God knows the ineffable.
Joseph, son of David!
He called him the Son of David, reminding him of the prophecy that Christ would come from the seed of David. While saying this, the angel urged Joseph not to believe, but thought of David, who received the promise regarding Christ.
don't be afraid to accept
This shows that Joseph was afraid to have Mary, so as not to offend God by the fact that he protects an adulteress. Or in other words: “do not be afraid,” that is, be afraid to touch her as she conceived of the Holy Spirit, but “do not be afraid to receive,” that is, to have in your home. For in mind and thought, Joseph had already released Mary.
Mary, wife yours
This is what the angel says: “Perhaps you think that she is an adulteress. I tell you that she is your wife, ”that is, she is not corrupted by anyone, but your bride.
for that which is born in her is of the Holy Spirit;
For she is not only far from unlawful confusion, but she conceived in some divine way, so you should rejoice more.
Matthew 1:21. will give birth to a Son,
So that someone does not say: “but why should I believe you that what is born is of the Spirit?”, The angel speaks of the future, namely, that the Virgin will give birth to a Son. “If in this case I turn out to be right, then it is clear that this is also true -“ from the Holy Spirit ”. He did not say 'give birth to you,' but simply 'give birth.' For Mary gave birth not for him, but for the whole universe, and grace did not appear for him alone, but it was poured out on everyone.
and you will call his name Jesus,
You will call, of course, as the father and as the patron saint of the Virgin. For Joseph, having learned that conception was from the Spirit, did not even think about letting the Virgin go helpless. And you will help Mary in everything.
for He will save His people from their sins.
Here it is interpreted what the word 'Jesus' means, namely - the Savior, 'for He, - it is said, will save His people' - not only the Jewish people, but also the pagan, who seeks to believe and become His people. What will he save from? Not from war is it? No, but from 'their sins.' Hence it is clear that the One who is born is God, for it is only God who is to forgive sins.
Matthew 1:22. And all this happened, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, who says:
Do not think that this has recently become pleasing to God - long ago, from the beginning. You, Joseph, as brought up in the law and knowing the prophets, consider what the Lord said. He did not say “what was spoken by Isaiah,” but “by the Lord,” for it was not man who spoke, but God through the mouth of man, so the prophecy is quite reliable.
