Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 1:20

"But when he thought on these things, behold, an 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 Spirit." — Matthew 1:20 (ASV)

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.

He could not help feeling very anxious, and no doubt he prayed about these things both day and night. God would not leave the honor of the chosen virgin-mother without protection. Soon Joseph had the best of guidance. From heaven, he had the assurance that Mary had not sinned, but had been favored by the Lord. Joseph is reminded of his royal rank, “thou son of David,” and is told to cast away his fear. How he must have been comforted by the Lord’s “fear not”! He was to take Mary under his tender care and be a foster-father to the Son who would be born of her.

Mary must have been in great anxiety herself as to whether her story of angelic visitation would be believed, for it looked improbable enough. We do not doubt that faith sustained her, but she needed much of it. Every great favor brings a great trial with it as its shadow and thus becomes a new test of faith. The Lord very graciously removed all suspicion from Joseph’s mind and thus provided for the honor of the mother and for the comfort of the holy child. If Jesus is born in our hearts, we will have trouble, but the Lord will witness that Christ is ours, and He will surely bear us through.