Matthew 1:16 Abbott's Illustrated New Testament
From Textus Receptus
Jesus, who is called Christ. Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah, meaning the anointed King. It was a title of dignity, often applied, in the early part of the Old Testament, to other monarchs. In Daniel 9:25 , it is used to designate the coming Redeemer; and, subsequently, it seems to have been reserved exclusively for this use. It must be kept in mind, therefore, that the proper, personal name, by which the Savior was known during his life, was simply Jesus, (Matthew 1:21 ;) and that whether he was or was not the Messiah or Christ, was a question of fact for those who knew him to consider. On this distinction depend the point and meaning of such passages as John 1:41; and many similar expressions.
