The Humanity of Christ: Part 8 - Pauline References to the Virgin Birth

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Humanity Of Christ: Part 8 - Pauline References To The Virgin Birth

Often, it is stated that Paul is silent on the virgin birth and therefore, did not believe in the virgin birth.  Arguing from silence, even supposed silence, is always a faulty line of argumentation.  Consideration should be given however to the relationship between Luke and Paul.  Luke was Paul’s companion and coworker.

The greater portion of Acts, referring to Paul’s missionary exploits, include Luke as part of Paul’s missionary team. In fact, Luke’s gospel is the only gospel account quoted by Paul.  

• For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing, and The laborer is worthy of his wages. - 1 Timothy 5:18
  

It is completely reasonable that Luke and Paul would have discussed Luke’s research and findings as contained in Luke 1 and 2.

While Paul did not explicitly state that Jesus was born of a virgin, he does imply it in two key passages.  First, Paul quoted from the protoevangelium (cf. Genesis 3:15) in Romans 16:20.

• The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. - Romans 16:20
  

The crushing of Satan is explicitly accomplished by the seed of the woman.       

Second, Paul confirmed that Jesus was born of a woman in the fullness of time.

• But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law. - Galatians 4:4
  

The fullness of time refers to God’s timetable.  At the appointed time, God sent Jesus into the world.  That God sent Jesus into the world confirms Jesus’ preexistence and therefore deity.  The phrase born of a woman emphasizes not only Jesus’ humanity but His virgin birth.  Born of a woman again goes back to the prophecy contained in Genesis 3:15 — the seed of the woman.