The genealogy of Jesus Christ

What joy to know that the Bible is the inspired Word and will of God. When rightly divided (II Timothy 2:15) we have that which was originally given to holy men of God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (II Timothy 3:16).

The Bible is not a compilation of stories written from the perspective of human writers. The records in the Bible are events that actually took place. It is not a history book, but when speaking of history it is accurate. It is not a science book, but when speaking of science, it is unerring. It is not a geography primer, but the places addressed are factual. It is not full of myths and traditions. It is truth!

Jesus said as recorded in John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (1769 Authorized Version)

An axiom all who love God should embrace.

Mary did conceive without help from Joseph. Jesus Christ is the son of God. His blood paid for our redemption. He is the Savior and only hope of mankind. God did raise him from the dead. The Bible is the revealed Word and will of God. Because it is, we can trust it!

When asked questions, Jesus responded with scripture.

Matthew 22:29 records this: "Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (1769 Authorized Version)

The Scripture is the written Word of God, the power of God being holy spirit in manifestation (e.g., speaking in tongues and prophecy). Today both are woefully absent in most churches. Some have regulated knowledge of Scripture but to the exclusion of God's power. Others laud the power and ignore the Scripture. Few acknowledge both and fewer still demand accuracy. Either way the end result is the same — error!

The Christian believer needs two things, spirit and Scripture! The Scripture gives guidance as to the use and misuse of the manifestations of the spirit. The spirit connects us with God, gives us real power and counsels us in our understanding of his Word. To the natural mind this seems paradoxical, but not to the spiritual. These are supernatural realities and beneficial to Christians from every walk of life.

Unlike men, God does not contradict himself. If at any time you come upon an apparent contradiction in the Bible it will be for only one of two reasons. Either you don't understand the words used or the translation is in error. It is to this end that we study the Bible so as to stand approved before God (not men).

A brief study of the genealogy of Jesus Christ is an exercise in biblical accuracy that will build your appreciation for God's wonderful, matchless Word.

Theologians have said Matthew 1:1-17 is the bloodline of Joseph. This cannot be! Matthew 1:18 tells us Mary conceived by Holy Spirit. This occurred before she was intimate with Joseph. Later on they had children together, as is common with married couples. Jesus did in fact have half brothers and sisters (Mark 6:3). So we know Mary did not remain a virgin, but Jesus himself was the son of God!

The genealogy in Matthew is given in three groupings of 14 generations from Abraham to Jesus. As you shall see, there is a translation error in Matthew 1:16. Which, if left unchecked, contradicts a genealogical record in Luke and limits the generations in the final group to 13.

The translation found in Matthew 1:16 is, "And Jacob begat Joseph the husband (aner) of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ." (1769 Authorized Version)

Here's what it says in Luke 3:23: "And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was [the son] of Heli." (1769 Authorized Version)

Obviously, Joseph's father was either named Heli or Jacob, not both!

Since we understand the words we have read, the apparent contradiction must be in translation.

A simple study reveals a poor translation in Matthew 1:16 of the Greek word aner. This word simply means an adult male and exact usage must be determined from context (i.e., husband, man, sir, fellow). The correct translation in the instance of Matthew 1:16 would be father. Apparently both Mary's father and husband were named Joseph.

The Aramaic manuscripts further corroborate this as they have gbra (mighty man) for verse 16 and bala (husband) for verse 19 (i.e., Joseph the father of Mary, Joseph her husband).

Matthew portrays Jesus' life from the perspective of King, thus chronicling Mary's lineage back to David. Luke shows Jesus as a man and therefore includes the legal lineage of Joseph, his stepfather.

Now you have the rightly divided God-breathed Word. No contradictions, no errors whatever.

Isn't it magnificent?!

The Reverend Linus A. Mathis III is the founder and director of Frontier Christian Ministries.