By BILL WARREN, Ph.D., NOBTS Professor of New Testament and Greek
Question: Who were the wise men, where did they come from, and what is their importance in the Christmas story?
Bill Warren responds: The wise men, only mentioned in Matthew (2:1-12), are actually called “Magi,” a term that normally refers to religious figures who are wise through the study of the stars. Since they come from “the east” (Mathew 2:1), they are probably coming from Parthia, a region not under Roman control that included some of the former Persian Empire, with modern day Iraq being a likely geographic setting for the Magi. Much of our additional information on them is based on the statements of early Christian writers. For example, Clement of Alexandria (about A.D. 200) notes that they are from Persia (Strommata, Book 1, chapter 15), and Tertullian (early 3rd century) says that they were generally regarded to be kings (An Answer to the Jews, chapter 9).
The reason their place of origin is important can be seen in the events at the beginning of Herod the Great’s reign as king over Israel. In 40 B.C., the Parthians had backed a different ruler for Israel versus Herod the Great, resulting in three years of war before Herod finally defeated them with the help of Roman troops. Now as Herod is reaching the end of his life, these Magi come with news of a new king, one whom Herod sees as yet another rival to his throne and his plans about who should follow him in power. Also, based on their status, the Magi probably traveled with a fairly large escort for protection, so again, Herod would have been surprised at seeing this unexpected foreign force appearing in Jerusalem with such a startling announcement.
That is why “Herod and all Jerusalem with him” are troubled (Mathew 2:3): These Magi
instead of Herod are about to name the next king of the Jews. The resulting massacre of the male children in Bethlehem is consistent with what we know of Herod’s character – he even killed his favorite wife (Mariamne) and some of his sons when he thought they were getting too anxious to occupy his throne!
What we don’t know is how many Magi there were since Matthew does not give a number.
The idea of three Magi arose by the late fifth century, with the Western tradition of their names being Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar, based on an original Greek document that was translated into Latin in Excerpta Latina Barbari. Most likely the picture of three Magi was based on the three gifts they gave in Mathew 2:11: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
So what is the importance of the story of the Magi for us today? First, as the Magi understood God’s message about Jesus and responded correctly by following the star, we should pray for insight to see what God is up to today and get on board. Second, like the Magi, we need to be aware of the importance of Jesus and give ourselves in worship to Him, God’s promised King, who should rule over our lives.
This Christmas season, may we be as faithful in following God’s guidance in our lives as the Magi were, and with them, may we all come to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus!
Warren is Professor of New Testament and Greek, occupying the Landrum P. Leavell II Chair of New Testament and Greek, and director of the H. Milton Haggard Center for New Testament Textual Studies.