What is the meaning of Matthew 1:24?

When Joseph woke up

“Joseph got up from sleep” (Matthew 1:24a)

• The very first thing Joseph does after receiving the dream is act—no delay, no debate. Compare Abraham’s swift obedience in Genesis 22:3 and Paul’s immediate response in Acts 26:19.

• Genuine faith moves quickly when God speaks (Psalm 119:60; Hebrews 3:15).

• Joseph’s waking symbolizes spiritual alertness: he is now wide-awake to God’s plan (Ephesians 5:14).

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he did

“He did…” (Matthew 1:24b)

• Obedience is described in one concise action verb—no need for extra words. James 1:22 reminds us to be “doers of the word.”

• Doing, not merely feeling or planning, distinguishes discipleship (John 14:15).

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as the angel of the Lord had commanded him

“…as the angel of the Lord had commanded him” (Matthew 1:24c)

• Joseph treats the angel’s message as God’s direct command (Luke 1:38; Acts 10:33).

• The phrase underscores Scripture’s reliability: God’s word given through His messenger is binding and trustworthy (Numbers 23:19).

• Command implies authority; Joseph submits without hesitation (Matthew 7:24; 1 Samuel 15:22).

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and embraced Mary

“…and embraced Mary…” (Matthew 1:24d)

• “Embraced” signals public acceptance; Joseph shields Mary from shame (Isaiah 41:10; Proverbs 18:10).

• His action fulfills the angel’s earlier reassurance in Matthew 1:20.

• Love acts sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25; 1 John 3:18).

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as his wife

“…as his wife” (Matthew 1:24e)

• Joseph consummates the legal covenant, granting Mary full marital status (Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:14).

• By taking her home, he acknowledges Jesus legally as his son, positioning the Child within David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Romans 1:3).

• Obedience to God strengthens rather than undermines family commitments (Colossians 3:18-19).

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summary

Matthew 1:24 shows faith in action. Joseph wakes up, obeys immediately, submits to divine authority, protects Mary, and completes their marriage. His swift, wholehearted response models how believers today should treat God’s Word: hear it, trust it, and live it without delay.