Question about Mt. 1: 18-19

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roccoangelo

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Greetings,

I am using the Navarre New Testament Bible (compact edition) and there is a line in Mt 1: 18-19 that says: “Before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit”. What does the “Before they came together” part mean? What is it refering to?

Pax Domini,
Rocco
 
roccoangelo said:
Greetings,

I am using the Navarre New Testament Bible (compact edition) and there is a line in Mt 1: 18-19 that says: “Before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit”. What does the “Before they came together” part mean? What is it refering to?

Pax Domini,
Rocco
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Rocco, the Blessed Virgin was betrothed to Joseph, but not yet living with him. After the betrothal ceremony, all that remained was for the groom to return to his home, prepare a place for his new wife to live with him (usually a new house alongside that of his parents), and then go get his bride who was already considered to be his. There was no exchange of vows on the wedding day itself, rather, there was just a party prior to the happy couple’s departure for the groom’s house. So, Matthew, in stating that they had not yet come together, i.e., weren’t living as husband and wife, is highlighting that the Incarnation is a miraculous occurance - that Jesus was/is the Son of God, and that Joseph was His foster-father, not His literal father.
 
FCEGM,

Thank you for answering my question. You gave a clear and consice response. 👍

Pax Domini,
Rocco
 
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