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.
Ver. 18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ] A γενεσει from γεννησιν transit. And being to relate a strange thing, and till then never heard of, he elegantly stirs up the hearers' mind with this preface.
When as his mother Mary was espoused] An ancient and commendable custom. Adam took his wife the first day of their creation (she was espoused to him), but knew her not till after the fall: Lot's daughters were espoused, yet had not known man, Genesis 19:8; Genesis 19:14. See Deuteronomy 22:22. Yea, the very heathens had their espousals,Judges 14:1; Placuit, despondi: nuptiis hic dictus est dies, saith he in Terence. We agreed, were contracted, and the wedding day appointed.
To Joseph, before they came together] Espoused they were by a special providence. 1. That Mary might not be held a harlot. 2. That being big, and needing necessary help, she might be provided for. 3. That the mystery of Christ might be made known by degrees.
She was found with child of the Holy Ghost] This wonderful conception of our Saviour is a mystery not much to be pried into, a and is therefore called an overshadowing,Luke 1:35. Where also, lest any should mistake this of in the text for the material cause: as if the Holy Ghost had begotten him of his own substance (as fathers do their children), the whole order and manner of this conception, so far as concerneth us to know, is declared by the angel.
a Mirari licet, rimari non licet.