Matthew 1:18

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.

From Background Notes [BN] for Dec 13th & 14th written by Pastor Bob Brown:

What was the nature of Hebrew engagement? Behind the Greek word mnēsteuō (or –omai) is the Hebrew term for betrothal, namely, kiddushin which is based on the underlying root meaning, “make holy, separate.”

 

Applied to Joseph and Mary’s relationship it means, that Mary had been set aside and separated for Joseph. We learn from the Mishna that sexual unfaithfulness during the period of betrothal is more serious than adultery after marriage. More specifically, the penalties were one of: stoning, burning, beheading, or strangling, depending on the degree of the actions. The terms “husband” and “wife” would likely be used of the partners before the formal marriage ceremony. If either person died before the wedding, they were considered to be a widow or widower. The woman remained with her family during the betrothal.  [BN,7]

Join us this week in Study, Worship, Praise and Celebration at Chicago First Church of the Nazarene:

* Saturday 6:00pm
* Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am