Three wise men

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Phdtobe, Dec 14, 2013.

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  1. Phdtobe

    Phdtobe Well-Known Member

    At my Christmas party our table got this wrong. True or False, did three wise men visited Jesus at the manger? True of course, we got in wrong. A few employees went on line and there it way everywhere three wise men visited Jesus. My spouse who is fairly religious met the mc in private. She came back more puzzled, there is actually no scriptures about "three" wise men. There is one author that mentioned wise men.
     
  2. Delta

    Delta Active Member

    Matthew 2 verse 1. Just says "wisemen" no quantity.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 14, 2013
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Here's what I found:

    Question: "What does the Bible say about the three wise men (Magi)?"

    Answer: We assume that there were three wise men because of the three gifts that were given: gold, incense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). However, the Bible does not say there were only three wise men. There could have been many more. Tradition says that there were three and that their names were Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, but since the Bible does not say, we have no way of knowing whether the tradition is accurate.

    It is a common misconception that the wise men visited Jesus at the stable on the night of His birth. In fact, the wise men came days, months, or possibly even years later. That is why Matthew 2:11 says the wise men visited and worshiped Jesus in a house, not at the stable.

    We know that the magi were wise men from "the East," most likely Persia, or modern-day Iran. This means the wise men traveled 800 to 900 miles to see the Christ child. Most likely, the magi knew of the writings of the prophet Daniel, who in time past had been the chief of the court seers in Persia. Daniel 9:24-27 includes a prophecy which gives a timeline for the birth of the Messiah. Also, the magi may have been aware of the prophecy of Balaam (who was from the town of Pethor on the Euphrates River near Persia) in Numbers 24:17. Balaam's prophecy specifically mentions a “star coming out of Jacob.”

    The wise men were guided to look for the King of the Jews by a miraculous stellar event, the "Star of Bethlehem," which they called "His star" (Matthew 2:2). They consulted with King Herod in Jerusalem concerning the birth of Christ and were so directed to Bethlehem (Matthew 2:4-8). They followed God's guidance joyfully (Matthew 2:10). Their gifts for Jesus were costly, and they worshiped Him. God warned them in a dream against returning to Herod, so, in defiance of the king, they left Judea by another route (Matthew 2:12).

    So, the magi were men who 1) read and believed God's Word, 2) sought Jesus, 3) recognized the worth of Christ, 4) humbled themselves to worship Jesus, and 5) obeyed God rather than man. They were truly wise men!

    Recommended Resources: The Case for Christmas by Lee Strobel and Logos Bible Software.



    While he is not the author of every article on GotQuestions.org, for citation purposes, you may reference our CEO, S. Michael Houdmann.





    Read more: What does the Bible say about the three wise men (Magi)?
     
  4. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Just about everything about the "nativity" story is based upon tradition and not in the Bible. Not surprising, really, since most church tradition and teachings aren't in the Bible. Another example is the timing of the magi visit. Tradition holds that they visited Jesus on the day of his birth. The Bible shows them being led by the star to the king, first, then much time after Jesus' birth (maybe even a few years) visiting Jesus and giving him gifts.

    Also, they were originally recruited in a plot to kill Jesus, but repudiated their involvement when God came to them in a dream and warned them not to.

    These aren't men to be celebrated, if you ask me.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 14, 2013

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