The Pulpit Commentary — Matthew — Volume 1 — Section 37

not only that of the Law, but thnt o.lso of the material world. Jesus, in his incarna- tion, became "the Be~inning of the [new] creation of God." He is " the Firstborn or every creature," viz. the Head and Archety1"" of that new creation which is to consist of those who are "born o.gain" of him.-J. A. M. Vera. 18-26.-Joseph's testimm,. After giving the genealogy of Jesus, the evan- gelist proceeds to furniijh important particulars of the history of his generation and birth. In these he brings out prominently the notable testimony of Joseph in proof of the Christship of Jesus. We note- I. THAT JOSEPH IS A CREDIBLE WITNF.119, 1. He was a righteous man . . (1) This is the character claimed for him by Matthew at a time when, if it were not a fact, it might have been challenged; for Joueph was well known (see eh. xiii. 55; Luke iv. 2~; John vi. 42). According to Eusebius, this Gospel was written in the thinl year of Caligula, i.e. A.D. 41, when many of Joseph's contemporaries were still living. (2) Everything recorded of Joseph is consistent with this character. It is in particular well sustained by his conduct towards Mary, under the trying circumstances detailed in the text. He might have prosecuted her for adultery (ace Deut. xx.ii. 23, 24). But he had an option of mercy, which he preferred. He resolved accordingly "to put her away privily," viz. by giving her, in ptesence of two witnesses, a bill of divorcement, without assigning any cause (see Deut. Jtxiv. 1). Thus her life would be spared. Note: (a) True righteousness is merciful. Of this the gospel of our salvation furnishes glorious illustration. (b) Leniency devoid of justice is not true mercy. The "terrors of the Lord," as well as those of the Law, are necessary to the public good of the universe. (3) As a righteous man Joseph could not be guilty of falsehood. This must hold under ordinary conditions, but especially in this case, where the subject of testi- mony is momentous, involving everlasting issues. 2. He was a sensible man. (1) He certainly was not over-credulous, else he might have listened without demurrer to Mary's story. Thers is no mention here of Gabriel's message to Mary (see Luke i. 26-38). The omission suggests that Matthew's design was to bring out prominently the eTidence of Joseph. Yet that Mary had communicated these things to Joseph may be reasonably presumed. She made no secret of them (see Luke i. 46---55). (2) There were not wanting good reasons by which he might have been inclined to listen to this wonderful story. (a) He had sufficient knowledge of Mary's previous piety to have disposed him to credit her testimony; but the circumstances are unprecedented, and he is not satisfied. (b) He had the testimony of Elisabeth (see Luke i. 39-56), which was weighty when taken in connection with the vision of Zacharias, the remark- able event of the Baptist's birth, and Zachatias's prophecy (see Luke i. G7-79). Still, he was not satisfied. Note: Never was mother so honoured and so tried as Mary. Let not those who aspire to honours think to escape trials. As Mary suffered with Christ and for bis sake, so shall we if Christ be formed in us (cf. Acts v. 41; ix. 16; Rom. viii. 17; Phil. i. 20). 3. He had the best opportunities of knowledge. (1) As espoused to Mary he was in the best position to be acquainted with the matter of her testimony. (2) He was therefore in the best position to be convinced by the com- plementary evidence furnished in the vision vouchsafed to himself. (3) Of this vision he was, of course, a first-rate witness, for he was himself the subject of it. II. 'l'HAT HIS TESTIMONY IS VE11Y VALUABLE. 1. BecaUBe of the importance of the subject. (1) '!'be subject is stupendous. The incarnation of Deity in hum;in nature. "Immanuel." (2) Such an event must be of the utmost moment to humanity. It presages the beatification of humanity. In this all" partakers of flesh and blood" must hove the deepest interest. (3) This is wonderful news for sinners. And such are we all. Note: Not only was the incarnation of Jehovah necessary for redemption, but faith in Jesus as Jehovah is necessary for salvation. 'l'he very name of Jesus associates Jehovah and salvation (cf. Acts iii. 16; iv. 10; ix. 14; Rom. x. 13). 2. Bemuse of the nature of its authentication. (1) An angel appeared lo Joseph. Superhuman intel- ligence alone could reveal the subject. (2) He appeared to him in a dream. Nut au ordinary, but a Divine, dream. 8uch dream~ carried with them convincing evidence, Else they could not serve their purpose (cf. Numb. xii. 6; Deut. xiii.1-3; 1 Sam. xxviii. 6 15; Joel ii. 28). 'l'he evidence was coI:'linring to Joseph. It reassured him of tho ~nocence of Mary, and certified the truth of her wonderful story. It let in also the  24 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW. [on. 1. 1-25.