Matthew 1:18-25 (NKJV)
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus.
ℹ️ Verses 18 and 23 in Matthew show the context of the passage. Matthew emphasizes the virgin birth. His purpose is not to suggest that Mary ceased being a virgin after giving birth, but to proclaim that Christ was conceived and born of a virgin.
Other Passages Using the Same Manner of Speaking
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.
ℹ️ Does Jesus cease to be with us after the end of the age?
Acts 8:40 (NKJV)
But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.
ℹ️ Did Philip cease preaching after Caesarea?
1 Timothy 4:13 (NKJV)
Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
ℹ️ Did Timothy cease to give attention after Paul arrived?
2 Corinthians 3:12-15 (NKJV)
Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech, unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.
ℹ️ Does this passage mean that after that day there is no veil on their heart?
Mary’s Question to the Angel
Luke 1:30-34 (NKJV)
But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end. Then Mary said to the angel, How can this be, since I do not know a man?
ℹ️ If Mary were expecting ordinary marital relations in the near future, this question would make little sense. Her response shows genuine wonder at how conception could occur, and unlike Zacharias, she is not rebuked for unbelief.
