New Testament
Matthew 1:24
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When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had told him and took Mary as his wife.
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Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
What Matthew 1:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joseph responds to a divine message delivered by an angel while he was asleep. After waking up, he obeys the angel's command without hesitation and takes Mary as his wife. This act demonstrates Joseph's faith and willingness to follow God's plan, even in the face of societal pressures and personal doubts. By marrying Mary, who was pregnant before their marriage, Joseph shows his commitment to her and to the child she is carrying, who is to be Jesus. His actions reflect trust in God's guidance and a readiness to embrace a challenging situation. Joseph's obedience is a key example of faith in action, illustrating how one can respond to God's call with courage and integrity, despite uncertainties. This moment marks a significant turning point in the narrative of Jesus' birth, highlighting the importance of Joseph's role in the story of salvation.
How to apply Matthew 1:24 to your life
We can learn from Joseph's example to trust and obey God's guidance in our lives, even when it seems difficult or unconventional. Taking steps of faith can lead to fulfilling God's purpose, and we should be open to His plans, even if they challenge our comfort zones.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Speaks to Joseph (Matthew 1:18–25)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 1:24 mean?
Matthew 1:24 describes Joseph's immediate obedience to an angel's message. After waking from a dream, he marries Mary, showing his faith and commitment to God's plan despite the challenges.
What is the significance of Joseph's actions in Matthew 1:24?
Joseph's actions in Matthew 1:24 are significant because they demonstrate his trust in God's guidance. By marrying Mary, he supports her and the unborn Jesus, fulfilling a crucial role in the birth narrative.
How does Matthew 1:24 illustrate the theme of obedience?
Matthew 1:24 illustrates obedience through Joseph's swift response to the angel's command. His willingness to act without hesitation highlights the importance of following divine instructions, even when faced with societal challenges.
What can we learn from Joseph in Matthew 1:24?
From Joseph in Matthew 1:24, we learn the value of trusting and obeying God's guidance. His example encourages us to take steps of faith, even when circumstances are difficult or unconventional.
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