Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 1:24

"And Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took unto him his wife;" — Matthew 1:24 (ASV)

Took his wife — These few words cover a great deal. They imply the formal ratification of the betrothal before witnesses, the benediction by a priest, the marriage feast, and her move from the house that had previously been her home to Joseph's.

These words also imply that what appeared to be evidence of guilt to the neighbors brought no reason for blame to Joseph’s mind. To them, if they were not told the history—and it is not probable that they were—it must have been deemed an act of exceptional mercy and forbearance. The reverence implied in what the next verse records must have roused their wonder.