Matthew 1:1-17 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Matthew 1:1-17

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

The pedigree.

"The book of the genealogy," etc. This is not the general title of the First Gospel, but rather the particular title of these sixteen or seventeen verses. The scroll, or writing of divorcement, which the Talmudists say consisted exactly of" twelve lines," is called a biblion, or "book" (Matthew 19:7). So the "book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ" may be understood to describe the single skin on which the words immediately before us were originally written. Vitringa remarks that the expression concerning the "names" in the "book of life," in Revelation 3:5, alludes to the genealogical tables of the Jewish priests (see Ezra 2:62; Nehemiah 7:64), as the "white raiment" mentioned there does to the priestly dress.

I. THIS IS THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS AS THE CHRIST.

1. This is implied in his description. "The Son of David, the Son of Abraham."

2. To assert this is obviously the evangelist's intention. So we understand his words, "genealogy of Jesus the Christ."

(a) In its lustre. Hence the "unction of the Holy One" is said to convey spiritual teaching and heavenly knowledge (1 John 2:20, 1 John 2:27).

(b) In its softening, mollifying, lubricating influences. So the oil of anointing is put for the graces of the Holy Spirit.

(c) Jesus was "anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows," viz. not only in the kited, but also in the degree. He received the Spirit "not by measure."

II. THE PEDIGREE IS GIVEN FOR OUR BENEFIT.

1. Jesus had no personal glory from it.

(a) Virtue does not run in the blood.

(b) Jesus appeared "in the likeness of sinful flesh."

2. To us it certifies his Messiahship.

(2) But that Jesus was also the Son of David in blood as well as in law is evident from the genealogy in Luke, which carries his line up through Mary. Joseph, whose lather was Jacob according to Matthew, is in Luke called "the son of Heli" (viz. jure matrimonii), in compliance with the Jewish custom of tracing all genealogies through males. Every way, then, whether by law or by blood, Jesus is proved to be the Son of "David the king" (verse 67, and entitled to the throne.

3. It encourages the hope of the Gentiles.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotional Save my progress

More for Matthew 1:1-17

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew 1 — OverviewMatthew 1 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis evangelist begins with the account of Christ's parentage and birth, the ancestors from whom he descended, and the manner of his entry into the world, to make it appear that he was indeed the Messiah…Matthew 1 — OverviewMatthew 1 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeMatthew 1:1, The genealogy of Christ from Abraham to Joseph; Matthew 1:18, He is miraculously conceived of the Holy Ghost by the Virgin Mary, when she was espoused to Joseph; Matthew 1:19, The angel satisfies the doubts…Matthew 1 — OverviewMatthew 1 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe subject of this book, and indeed of all the writings of the New Testament, is the Gospel. The Greek word euaggelion signifies a joyful message, good news, glad tidings of good things; such as Christ was anointed to…Matthew 1:1-17Matthew 1:1-17 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleConcerning this genealogy of our Saviour, observe, I. The title of it. It is the book (or the account, as the Hebrew word sepher, a book, sometimes signifies) of the generation of Jesus Christ, of his ancestors…Matthew 1:1Matthew 1:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe book of the generation. As St. Matthew was writing only for Jews, and they, by reason of their Old Testament prophecies, looked for the Messiah to be born of a certain family, he begins his Gospel with a pedigree of…Matthew 1:1Matthew 1:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryGenealogical lessons. We are tempted to pass by the string of names with which the New Testament opens, as though it had no moral significance, as though it were only a relic of Jewish domestic annals. But even the…

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.sermonRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionGod Works Even in the BreaksIdentify someone you've judged, dismissed, or failed; a "Tamar" in your story. In prayer, acknowledge where they may have been more faithful or righteous than you. If appropriate, speak that acknowledgment to them.Discipledeck sermonThe Setting of the PearlThe Fact of Jesus--Mark's Gospel It is generally agreed that the Gospel of St.George H. Morrison commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.