This verse from Luke 2:5 provides a few key pieces of information about Joseph and Mary during the time of the Roman census:
"to enroll himself with Mary": This indicates that Joseph, along with his betrothed Mary, traveled to his ancestral home (likely Bethlehem) to register for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. Roman censuses often required people to return to their place of origin for registration, and since women were often under the authority of their fathers or husbands, they would travel with them.
"who was pledged to be married to him as wife": This phrase clarifies the status of Mary and Joseph's relationship. They were "pledged," meaning they were betrothed or engaged. Betrothal in that time was a legally binding commitment, similar to marriage, but not yet the full marital union. They were not yet living together as husband and wife, but the engagement was a serious commitment.
"being pregnant": This is the crucial part. It reveals that Mary was already pregnant at the time of this journey. This is significant because it establishes that Jesus' conception occurred before Mary and Joseph were fully married. This fact is central to the narrative of Jesus' miraculous conception through the Holy Spirit, as described earlier in Luke's Gospel.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of:
Joseph traveling to enroll in the census.
Mary accompanying him, as his betrothed wife.
Mary being pregnant, indicating that the pregnancy occurred before they were fully married.
This sets the stage for the events that follow in the Gospel narrative, including Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. It also highlights the unusual circumstances surrounding Jesus' conception and birth, which are central to the Christian faith.
This verse from Luke 2:5 provides a few key pieces of information about Joseph and Mary during the time of the Roman census:
"to enroll himself with Mary": This indicates that Joseph, along with his betrothed Mary, traveled to his ancestral home (likely Bethlehem) to register for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. Roman censuses often required people to return to their place of origin for registration, and since women were often under the authority of their fathers or husbands, they would travel with them.
"who was pledged to be married to him as wife": This phrase clarifies the status of Mary and Joseph's relationship. They were "pledged," meaning they were betrothed or engaged. Betrothal in that time was a legally binding commitment, similar to marriage, but not yet the full marital union. They were not yet living together as husband and wife, but the engagement was a serious commitment.
"being pregnant": This is the crucial part. It reveals that Mary was already pregnant at the time of this journey. This is significant because it establishes that Jesus' conception occurred before Mary and Joseph were fully married. This fact is central to the narrative of Jesus' miraculous conception through the Holy Spirit, as described earlier in Luke's Gospel.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of:
Joseph traveling to enroll in the census.
Mary accompanying him, as his betrothed wife.
Mary being pregnant, indicating that the pregnancy occurred before they were fully married.
This sets the stage for the events that follow in the Gospel narrative, including Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. It also highlights the unusual circumstances surrounding Jesus' conception and birth, which are central to the Christian faith.