So essentially the first 16 verses are the genealogy of Jesus, so basically showing that he was a descendant of David, which I believe was prophecied somewhere in the old testament (Isaiah 9:6-7...here's a link to a bunch of lineage prophecy - ).
Verse 18-21 states that before Mary and Joseph became intimate she was impregnated with the Holy Spirit. Joseph on discovering this first considered divorcing her but was approached by an angel in a dream who explained to him the importance of this child and Joseph changed his mind and the rest is history ;)
I found some interesting stuff about verse 21, where it says we should call his name Jesus. Jesus was actually the greek translation of his hebrew name, Yeshua. I just found it interesting that there are a number of passages later in the bible that state we should pray in His name for things. I have a number of friends who believe that this is literal and we should be praying to Jesus as he is the living God. But Orthodox Judaism dictates that "in the name of" actually means "in merit of".
I'm glad I researched this a little bit because I now see the importance of understanding the cultural implications in the writing of the bible. It's not necessary to use the name Jesus alone in baptism and prayer, etc, what matters is that you are doing it FOR Him. Yeshua that is....
Verse 22 is the first reference to prophecy in the new testament. In order for Jesus to be recognized as the "Messiah" he had to fulfill a number of conditions that Jewish prophets outlined in the old testament. So I figure this is just the beginning of outlining which ones he met (and I believe he met all of them, but I guess we'll find out! :D)
I also found that there is some controversy regarding the translation of the word "Virgin". It could very well simply mean "young woman".....this would certainly eliminate one argument against Christianity. It simply says at the beginning that before Mary and Joseph did the deed, she got pregnant. Now of course Joseph is the descendant of David, et al.....apparently in Jewish tradition when a man and woman were betrothed any children conceived in the period between being betrothed and getting married were considered legitimate. So it would have still been Joseph's child by law. However, not necessarily by nature. So I wonder then...either God miraculously impregnated Mary and used Joseph's DNA makeup to make the child a direct descendant in all possible ways, or else Mary got a little too close with a family member and God snagged the opportunity....
I've been thinking about this too much now my head is kind of spinning...you know the feeling..when you think so much none of it even makes sense. I'm going to have to think more about this one :D
1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
1:3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
1:4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
1:5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
1:7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
1:8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
1:9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
1:10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
1:11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
1:12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
1:13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
1:14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
1:15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
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.
1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
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