Matthew 1:19

Letters to the Faithful - Matthew 1:19

Berean Standard Bible

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.

King James Bible

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Greek:

Ἰωσὴφ δὲ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς, δίκαιος ὢν καὶ μὴ θέλων αὐτὴν δειγματίσαι, ἐβουλήθη λάθρᾳ ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν.

Transliteration:

Iōsēph de ho anēr autēs, dikaios ōn kai mē thelōn autēn deigmatisai, eboulēthē lathra apolysai autēn.

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Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man

Joseph is described as a "righteous man," indicating his adherence to the Law of Moses and his moral integrity. In Jewish culture, righteousness was closely associated with obedience to the law and a commitment to justice and mercy. Joseph's righteousness is significant because it sets the stage for his compassionate response to Mary's pregnancy. His character aligns with the Old Testament figures like Noah and Abraham, who were also described as righteous. This righteousness is not just legalistic but also reflects a heart aligned with God's will.

and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly

Joseph's unwillingness to disgrace Mary publicly demonstrates his compassion and mercy. According to Deuteronomy 22:23-24, a betrothed woman found to be unfaithful could be stoned. However, Joseph chooses a path of mercy, reflecting the heart of God, who desires mercy over sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). This decision also prefigures the merciful nature of Jesus' ministry, where He often chose compassion over strict adherence to the law, as seen in His interactions with sinners and outcasts.

he resolved to divorce her quietly

In Jewish betrothal customs, a betrothal was as binding as marriage, requiring a formal divorce to dissolve. Joseph's decision to divorce Mary quietly shows his desire to protect her from public shame and potential punishment. This action reflects a deep sense of justice tempered with mercy, aligning with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). Joseph's quiet resolve also foreshadows the discreet and humble nature of Jesus' own mission, which often operated outside the public eye and focused on the heart rather than outward appearances.

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The verse of Matthew 1:19, which declares, "Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily," presents a profound glimpse into the character of Joseph, the betrothed of Mary, and the divine drama unfolding in the infancy narrative of Christ. Situated within the opening chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, this passage follows the announcement of Mary’s pregnancy by the Holy Spirit and precedes the angelic revelation that confirms the divine origin of her child. In this single verse, we behold the intersection of human righteousness, compassion, and obedience to God’s will, as Joseph navigates the perplexing and potentially scandalous circumstance of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy. To probe the depths of this verse is to uncover the quiet nobility of a man who, though not the biological father of the Messiah, becomes a faithful steward of God’s redemptive plan, embodying the righteousness that fulfills the law through love.

The context of Matthew 1:19 is critical to its meaning, for it emerges within the genealogy and narrative of Christ’s birth, where Matthew establishes Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s messianic hope, descended from Abraham and David (Matthew 1:1-17). Mary, betrothed to Joseph, is found to be with child before their marriage is consummated, a situation that, in the legal and cultural framework of first-century Judaism, could be interpreted as evidence of infidelity. Betrothal, in this context, was a binding commitment, akin to marriage, such that any perceived breach carried severe consequences, including public shame or even stoning under the strictest interpretations of the law (Deuteronomy 22:23-24). It is against this backdrop that Joseph’s response reveals his character, as the text describes him as “a just man” who, rather than seeking to expose Mary to public disgrace, resolves to divorce her quietly.

The designation of Joseph as “a just man” (Greek: *dikaios*) is laden with theological significance, for it aligns him with the righteous figures of the Old Testament who walked in fidelity to God’s law. Yet, Joseph’s justice is not rigid or legalistic; it is tempered by mercy, reflecting the biblical ideal of righteousness that balances adherence to God’s commands with compassion for others. His unwillingness to make Mary “a public example” demonstrates a heart attuned to the spirit of the law, which seeks to protect and restore rather than to condemn. The phrase “public example” (Greek: *deigmatisai*) implies a spectacle of shame, such as public accusation or trial, which could have ruined Mary’s reputation and endangered her life. Joseph’s decision to “put her away privily” indicates his intention to dissolve the betrothal discreetly, likely through a private writ of divorce, sparing Mary the full weight of social and legal repercussions.

This resolution, however, is not merely an act of human kindness but a testament to Joseph’s faith and humility. Confronted with a situation that defies explanation—Mary’s pregnancy, which he has no reason to attribute to divine intervention—Joseph chooses a path that preserves her dignity while adhering to what he perceives as his duty under the law. His decision reflects a profound trust in God, even in the face of personal pain and confusion, for the discovery of Mary’s condition would have been a source of deep hurt, given the love and commitment implied in their betrothal. Yet, Joseph’s response is not driven by vengeance or pride but by a quiet resolve to act justly and mercifully, embodying the principle later articulated by Jesus: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Theologically, Matthew 1:19 serves as a bridge between the Old Covenant and the New, illustrating how righteousness under the law finds its fulfillment in Christ. Joseph, as a just man, stands in the tradition of Israel’s faithful remnant, yet his actions prefigure the greater righteousness that Jesus will teach—one that exceeds the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20) by integrating justice with love. His willingness to protect Mary, even at personal cost, mirrors the self-sacrificial love of Christ, who will later lay down His life for the salvation of the world. Moreover, Joseph’s role as the adoptive father of Jesus underscores the divine pattern of grace, where God chooses the humble and obedient to fulfill His purposes, just as He chose Abraham, David, and now Joseph to be instruments of His redemptive plan.

The verse also carries pastoral weight, offering a model of godly character in the face of moral and emotional dilemmas. Joseph’s response to Mary’s pregnancy exemplifies the balance of conviction and compassion, challenging believers to navigate difficult situations with both integrity and kindness. His choice to act privately rather than publicly reflects a heart that seeks to shield the vulnerable, even when personal grievance might justify a harsher course. For the early Christian community, to whom Matthew wrote, this portrayal of Joseph would have resonated deeply, as they faced their own challenges of living faithfully in a world often hostile to their beliefs. Joseph’s example encourages believers to trust God’s unseen purposes, even when circumstances appear confounding, and to act with mercy toward others, even in moments of personal trial.

In the broader narrative of Matthew’s Gospel, Joseph’s decision in verse 19 is a prelude to his obedience to the divine command revealed in the subsequent verses (Matthew 1:20-21), where an angel assures him of the Holy Spirit’s work in Mary’s pregnancy and calls him to take her as his wife. This divine intervention transforms Joseph’s initial resolve, revealing that his instinct toward mercy aligns with God’s greater plan. His willingness to listen and obey, even after forming a just but human plan, underscores his responsiveness to God’s voice, a quality that marks him as a true servant of the Lord. In this sense, Joseph becomes a paradigm of faith, demonstrating that true righteousness involves not only adherence to the law but openness to the Spirit’s guidance, which often transcends human understanding.

For the modern reader, Matthew 1:19 remains a powerful testimony to the character of a man who, though often overshadowed by Mary and Jesus, plays an indispensable role in the story of salvation. His justice, tempered by mercy, invites reflection on how believers are called to respond to situations of moral complexity—with discernment, humility, and love. The verse also points to the mystery of divine providence, where human decisions, even those made in uncertainty, are woven into God’s redemptive purposes. Joseph’s quiet resolve to protect Mary, though soon superseded by divine revelation, stands as a beacon of godly character, reminding the faithful that righteousness is not merely about rule-keeping but about reflecting the heart of a God who is both just and merciful.

Thus, Matthew 1:19 unveils the portrait of a man whose faith and compassion prepare the way for the Messiah’s entrance into the world. Through Joseph’s actions, we glimpse the harmony of justice and mercy, the power of obedience in the face of uncertainty, and the quiet strength of a life surrendered to God’s will. The verse beckons the reader to emulate Joseph’s example, to act with integrity and kindness, and to trust that God’s purposes, though often hidden, are ever at work to bring about His kingdom through those who walk humbly before Him.

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Grace be multiplied unto you, beloved brethren and sisters, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world, in whom all the promises of God are Yes and Amen. I write to you with earnest desire that you may abound in love and discernment, that your hearts may be established in grace, and that you may be adorned with the virtues of Christ, who is meek and lowly in heart.

It is written in the Gospel of Matthew concerning Joseph, the husband of Mary, “And her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.”

Beloved, ponder this word, for though it be written in simplicity, it reveals much concerning the nature of righteousness and the manner in which the children of God ought to walk in this present world.

Joseph was a man of righteousness—a man who delighted in the law of the Lord, a man who sought to order his steps according to His commandments. Yet behold how this righteousness was joined with mercy, with tenderness, with a heart that sought not the harm of another. Though confronted with a trial of great perplexity, and though he did not yet understand the divine mystery unfolding before him, he purposed in his heart to act with discretion and with compassion.

Herein lies a lesson for us all. True righteousness is not cold, nor harsh, nor self-exalting. It does not hasten to expose, nor delight in condemnation. The righteousness that is born of the Spirit is adorned with gentleness, with kindness, with patience, with the love that covers a multitude of sins. As it is written, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

Consider how easily Joseph might have sought vindication for himself, how readily he might have brought Mary to public shame. The law provided such a course; the customs of the day would have justified it. Yet Joseph, though unaware of the heavenly work that was taking place, chose the path of quietness, of restraint, of regard for the dignity of one whom he believed had wronged him.

O beloved, how sorely is this spirit needed among the people of God! In an age given to strife, to public accusation, to the unkind word hastily spoken, let us learn from the example of this righteous man. Let us be slow to judge, slow to speak, swift to hear, abounding in mercy. Let us remember that we ourselves stand by grace alone, and that the measure with which we judge shall be measured unto us.

And behold how God honored this heart of compassion. To the one who acted not with self-seeking, but with uprightness and kindness, the Lord sent His angel. To Joseph was revealed the greater purpose, the unfolding of the mystery of the Incarnation. He who had chosen the way of righteousness was entrusted with the guardianship of the Christ-child, with the care of the holy family. Thus is fulfilled the word, “The meek shall inherit the earth.”

Take courage, therefore, O people of God. Walk humbly with your Lord. Let righteousness and mercy dwell together in your hearts. In your dealings with one another, seek not to magnify fault, but to restore with a spirit of gentleness. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Remember also that oftentimes the purposes of God lie hidden beneath circumstances that seem grievous or perplexing. Joseph did not understand at first the work that God was doing; he saw only sorrow and seeming shame. Yet in the fullness of time, the divine purpose was revealed, and joy replaced sorrow. So it shall be for all who trust in the Lord and walk according to His ways. Wait upon Him; trust His wisdom; know that He is working all things together for good to those who love Him.

Moreover, beloved, take this word to heart in your conduct toward those who stumble. If one among you falls into sin, restore such a one in a spirit of meekness, considering yourselves, lest you also be tempted. Let no root of bitterness spring up; let no harsh word take root; but rather forgive, even as God in Christ has forgiven you.

And let the example of Joseph speak also to husbands and wives, to parents and children, to all who live together in covenant relationships. Let love be genuine; let patience abound; let respect and honor be shown. Build one another up in the most holy faith, and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

Finally, beloved, behold the greater Righteous One—our Lord Jesus Christ—who did not come to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who could have laid bare every fault chose instead to bear our sins in His own body on the tree. He who was reviled did not revile in return; He who was righteous became the justifier of the ungodly. Let us, therefore, walk in His steps, that in the day of His appearing we may be found blameless in love.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly. May your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you; He will surely do it.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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O Lord God Almighty, Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Thou who inhabitest eternity and yet dost dwell with the humble and contrite of heart, we draw near to Thee through our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by faith. We lift our voices and our hearts in reverence and in gratitude, for Thou art good and Thy mercy endures forever.

O Lord, as it is written in the Gospel concerning Joseph, the husband of Mary, **“being a righteous man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly,”** we behold in this word a pattern of righteousness tempered with mercy, of justice clothed in compassion. We bless Thee, O God, that Thou hast recorded such examples in Thy Holy Scripture, that we might be instructed in the ways that please Thee.

Grant us, O Lord, hearts that pursue righteousness not with harshness, but with the gentleness of Christ. Teach us to walk as Joseph walked—upright before Thee, faithful to Thy commandments, yet ever mindful of the dignity and worth of others. In a world where judgment is swift and mercy is scarce, make us to be vessels of Thy grace, that we might show forth the kindness that leads to repentance.

We confess, O gracious Father, that too often we have been quick to speak and slow to hear; too often we have condemned where we should have forgiven; too often we have exalted ourselves while seeking to humble others. Forgive us, we pray. Cleanse us from the pride and the bitterness that so easily beset us. Renew within us a spirit of meekness and long-suffering, that we may bear with one another in love.

As Joseph purposed in his heart to deal quietly and kindly, even in a moment of deep perplexity, so teach us, O Lord, to guard our words and to weigh our actions in the balance of Thy mercy. Let us not seek to shame or to expose, but to restore and to build up. May the law of kindness be upon our lips, and may our dealings with one another be marked by patience and understanding.

O Sovereign God, who knowest the end from the beginning, we see in the account of Joseph that Thou dost work wondrously through the hidden counsels of Thy providence. When Joseph could not see Thy purpose, Thou wast unfolding the mystery of the Incarnation. When he was troubled in heart, Thou didst send Thy angel to comfort and to reveal Thy will. Teach us, O Lord, to trust Thee in times of uncertainty. When we do not understand Thy ways, help us to rest in Thy goodness and to wait patiently for Thy unfolding plan.

Strengthen us, O God, to be faithful in small things, that we may be entrusted with greater. As Thou didst choose a righteous and humble man to be the earthly guardian of Thy Son, so use us, O Lord, in whatever station Thou hast appointed us. May we be faithful in our homes, in our workplaces, in our congregations, and in the world, that Thy name may be glorified in us.

We pray also, O Lord, for those who walk through trials of heart and conscience. For those burdened by difficult decisions, grant wisdom from above. For those weighed down by guilt, grant the cleansing of Christ’s atoning blood. For those tempted to harshness or retaliation, grant the sweetness of Thy Spirit. May we all, like Joseph, be guided by righteousness that is tempered with compassion, by truth that is mingled with love.

O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the Righteous One and the merciful Savior, we look to Thee as the perfect example of both justice and grace. Thou didst not come to condemn the world, but that the world through Thee might be saved. Thou didst deal tenderly with the fallen; Thou didst restore the broken; Thou didst forgive the repentant. Conform us to Thine image, that we may reflect Thy heart to a watching world.

And now, O Holy Spirit, come and fill us anew. Write Thy law upon our hearts; pour the love of God abroad within us. Empower us to walk in humility and charity, to seek the good of others before ourselves, and to be ministers of reconciliation in every place. May our lives bear witness to the righteousness that exalts a nation and to the mercy that reflects the heart of our God.

All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with Thee, O Father, and Thee, O Holy Spirit, be all honor, glory, and praise, now and forevermore.

Amen.