the birth] Luke 1. 27. of Jesus Christ] See notes on verse 1. was on this wise] Or, came thus to passe. was espoused to Joseph] God would have her to be espoused for the safety and honour of Christ in his infancy, and the credit, and comfort of his mother. before they came together] Had knowledge one of another, as verse 25. Or rather, to dwell together, for he had not yet taken her home, verse 20. she was found with childe] It was perceived by Joseph, verse 19. that she was with childe. Gr. having in the womb. of the Holy Ghost] This was not known to him, till afterwards, verse 20. she was not with childe of the substance of the Holy Ghost, but by his efficiencie and speciall work, Luke 1:35. So this particle is used, John 8:41; John 8:44; John 8:47. 1 John 3:8-9.