23. Behold, the Virgin shall be with child. The
Jews say that it is not written in the prophecy "virgin" but
"young woman". To which it may be answered that "young
woman" and "virgin" mean the same thing in Scripture, for in
Scripture "young woman" refers to one who is still a virgin.
Furthermore, if it was not a virgin that gave birth, how would it be a sign,
something extraordinary? Listen to Isaiah who says, "For this reason the
Lord Himself shall give you a sign," and immediately he adds,
"Behold, the Virgin." So if it were not a virgin that would give
birth, it would not be a sign. The Jews, then, alter the text of Scripture in
their malice, putting "young woman" instead of "virgin".
But whether the text reads "young woman" or "virgin", it
should be understood in either case that it is a virgin who will give birth so
that the event may be a miraculous sign. And shall bring forth a son, and
they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
The Jews say, "How then is it that He was not called Emmanuel but Jesus
Christ?" One may answer, "The prophet did not say 'You shall call,'
but 'They shall call." That is, the events and deeds of His life will show
that He is God and that He keeps company with us. For Holy Scripture gives
names that are derived from the events of one's life; for example, "Call
his name Plunder Swiftly." Yet where does it record that anyone was ever
called by such a name? But since error was despoiled and taken captive at the
moment of the Lord's birth, Scripture gives this as His name, which He acquires
from the event. (The Explanation by Blessed Theophylact of the Holy Gospel
According to St. Matthew [trans. Christopher Stade; Bl. Theophylact's
Explanation of the New Testament 1; House Springs, Miss.: Chrysostom Press,
2006], 21)
To Support this Blog:
Email for Amazon Gift
card: ScripturalMormonism@gmail.com
Email for Logos.com Gift
Card: IrishLDS87@gmail.com
