a record of the ancestors: This phrase introduces 1:1–17. A similar phrase appears in Genesis to start each section of that book.
Jesus … David … Abraham: These names repeat in reverse order in the list of Jesus' ancestors. This is a literary form called chiasm (arrangement of elements in mirror-image). Identifying Jesus as a descendant of David introduces him as the Messiah (see Matthew 12:23; 22:42–45). The link to Abraham emphasizes God's promise to Israel and how the covenant (agreement) extends to include all nations (see Matthew 28:16–20; Genesis 12:3).