|
8.
1
JOSEPH therefore went from Judaea to Galilee, with intention to marry the Virgin who was betrothed to him:
|
|
|
|
|
8.
2
For it was now near three months since she was betrothed to him.
|
|
|
|
|
8.
3
At length it plainly appeared she was with child, and it could not be hid from Joseph:
|
|
|
|
|
8.
4
For going to the Virgin in a free manner, as one espoused, and talking familiarly with her, he perceived her to be with child.
|
|
|
|
|
8.
5
And thereupon began to be uneasy and doubtful, not knowing what course it would be best to take;
|
|
|
|
|
8.
6
For being a just man, he was not willing to expose her, nor defame her by the suspicion of being a whore, since he was a pious man.
|
|
|
|
|
8.
7
He purposed therefore privately to put an end to their agreement, and as privately to put her away.
|
|
|
|
|
8.
8
But while he was meditating these things, [*23:3] behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, and said Joseph, son of David, fear not;
|
|
|
|
|
8.
9
Be not willing to entertain any suspicion of the Virgin's being guilty of fornication, or to think any thing amiss of her, neither be afraid to take her to wife;
|
|
|
|
|
8.
10
For that which is begotten In her and now distresses your mind, is not the work of man, but the Holy Ghost.
|
|
|
|
|
8.
11
For she of all women is that only Virgin who shall bring forth the Son of God, and you shall call his name Jesus, that is, Saviour: for he will save his people from their sins.
|
|
|
|
|
8.
12
Joseph thereupon, according to the command of the angel, married the Virgin, and did not know her, but kept her in chastity.
|
|
|
|
|
8.
13
And now the ninth month from her conception drew near, when Joseph took his wife and what other things were necessary to Bethlehem, the city from whence he came.
|
|
|
|
|
8.
14
And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled for her bringing forth.
|
|
|
|
|
8.
15
And she brought forth her first-born son, as the holy Evangelists have taught, even our Lord Jesus Christ, who with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, lives and reigns to everlasting ages.
|
|
|
|
|
8.
Footnotes ^23:3 Matt. i. 19.
|
|
|
|
