Subject: Mary's virginity remained intact |
Bible Note: I think I may see what you are trying to get at. Just for talking points, I’m not submitting anything impregnable, (no pun intended) I’ll address with my opinions some of the questions I see raised in the post. Q: Does it not qualify as adultery by virtue of the fact it was God who was involved? I would have to agree that it was not adultery, firstly, as you stated, it was not a sexual act. Simply because it was the Holy Spirit acting upon Mary also informs me that it was not adultery, physically or spiritually. Bottom line here is God cannot sin and would not partake of tempting anyone to sin. So from both God’s standpoint and Mary’s, there was no act of adultery, neither physically nor mentally. Q: Would Joseph feel betrayed? I think at first Joseph, by seeing what is recorded in the Gospels, did feel at least some sort of betrayal as he ponder things and because his plan was to divorce her, be it quietly. But I also propose this was before the angel of God informed him of what had actually taken place. At that point, we see his obedience and read no more about any sort of distrust or apprehension on his part, at least it is not recorded. My view is that God took great care in ensuring Joseph was okay with what happened. After all, He could have had Mary simply deliver the message and maybe she did and maybe Joseph already had some idea. But God sent an angel to inform Joseph. How could he not be okay with that? Albert Barnes writes in reference to Matthew 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: “Did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him - That is, he took Mary to wife. Probably this was done immediately, since he was now convinced of her innocence, and, by delay, he would not leave any ground of suspicion that he had not confidence in her.” Q: Why it may be different because it was God, not man? “for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost; she has not been guilty of any criminal conversation with men; this conception of her's is of the Holy Ghost, and entirely owing to his coming upon her, and overshadowing her in a wonderful and miraculous manner. I say, the Angel not only encourages Joseph after this manner, but delivers something to him by way of prophecy, in the following verse.” – John Gill I think Joseph understood that and therefore looked upon this event as a divine event and being encouraged by the angel of the Lord that there was nothing to fear, considered it no longer. Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. “Joseph, suspecting she was with child by whoredom, was afraid of taking her, lest he should bring upon himself either guilt or reproach. No, saith God, Fear not; the matter is not so. Perhaps Mary had told him that she was with child by the Holy Ghost, and he might have heard what Elizabeth said to her (Luk_1:43), when she called her the mother of her Lord; and, if so, he was afraid of presumption in marrying one so much above him. But, from whatever cause his fears arose, they were all silenced with this word, Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife. Note, It is a great mercy to be delivered from our fears, and to have our doubts resolved, so as to proceed in our affairs with satisfaction.” - Matthew Henry Just my opinions, and some others. Stand in His Grace, WOS |