Episode 60 - We Three Kings

The Magi are interesting visitors to the birth of a Jewish boy in a small town like Bethlehem. I have often felt like they don't fit in the narrative and only Matthew includes them in the story. So why are they there? Is there something we are missing in who they are and the significance of their arrival?

Join us as we answers these question: looking into who the Magi were, what the star was, and the significance of the story only Matthew shared with his audience.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction
• 2:01 Who Were They?
• 11:33 What Was the Star?
• 20:59 Why Are The Magi Included?
• 27:02 Closing

Transcript

The Three Kings

Introduction

Merry Christmas to you, if this is your first time listening, thank you for joining us. Every year in December, we like to open up a topic which reflects the season. Of all the characters of Christmas, the Magi have always intrigued me. Who were they, and why are they included in the Christmas story? They obviously arrived much later than the shepherds, so we know our traditional nativity scenes are incorrect, but how could they follow a star, and was it actually a star they were following? What do we actually know about these kings?

Welcome to Teleios Talk. I'm so glad you have joined us today. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel and please share it with everyone you know.

Today is going to be really interesting. Sometimes we pick a topic which ends up with information I wasn't expecting, and this is one of them. We will talk about the identity of the magi. Where they came from and what their connection to Israel is. We will talk about the star and see how it was described and what scholars think it was. And we will talk about why they are included in the Christmas story.

So let's sit back, open our Bibles, get comfortable, and discover something we never knew before.

Who were they?

The "Three Kings", “Magi”, or "Wise Men" tied to the Christmas story have emerged from different interpretations of the Scriptural account of Christ's birth depending on religious tradition, factual records, and historical analysis. Understanding their role historically in the society of the ancient Near East helps us to contextualize their appearance in Matthew's Biblical narrative, as well as the theological implications of their visit.

In the ancient world, astrology and divination were closely tied to religion and governance. This is easily seen in the day to day customs of Rome; the Etruscans, Greeks, and Parthians. From a Jewish perspective, the Magi's reliance on celestial phenomena (like the "star") would have been perceived as sorcery, a practice condemned in Deuteronomy 18:10, where interpreters of omens are linked to occultic practitioners. Herodotus, Pliny the Elder, and other Greek and Roman writers describe the Magi as practitioners of supernatural arts, associated with both legitimate priestly roles and questionable magical practices. In the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible the term magi is often used to describe pagan magicians or sorcerers, such as those in Pharaoh's court (Exodus 7:11).

The inclusion of the Magi in the nativity story underscores the radical universality of Jesus’ mission and appeal. Even those from "pagan" traditions recognized and worshiped Him. By showing the Magi bowing to Jesus, the Gospel highlights a reversal: worldly wisdom and power submitted to divine authority. 

Traditionally, the three kings have been known as Melchior, Caspar (or Gaspar), and Balthazar; wise men who traveled to Bethlehem to honor the newborn Jesus, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-12).Although our knowledge of world religions identifies these men as being from the region of Persia, each king is traditionally associated with a specific region:

Melchior, who is said to have brought the offering of gold, follows the historic script and is said to have come from Persia or Arabia, In modern day Iran, an area of the world linked to the Jewish captivity. According to tradition Melchior is said to represent the Abrahamic Covenant.

Caspar is the king associated with the offering of frankincense, and is said to have originated from India. The Malabar Cochin Jews claim to have first arrived in India together with King Solomon's merchants and it is possible there is a link between the Diaspora and the kings. Traditionally the Davidic covenant is represented by the king from India.

Balthazar is the bringer of myrrh, and is said to have come from Africa. There is a group of Jewish people who live in Zimbabwe, known as the Lemba Jews, whose history places them in Africa since 500 BC. So it is possible that there could have been an African king, or wise man, who was a part of this group who worshipped Jesus. Would he then represent the Noahic Covenant?

The gifts brought by the Magi — gold, frankincense, and myrrh — carry rich symbolic meanings that resonate, not only with Jesus' birth but also with His life, death, and mission. Gold symbolized His royal status as the "King of the Jews", as well as the fulfillment of messianic prophecies which spoke of a ruler arising from David’s line. The authority of Jesus, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding a righteous king seem sustained by the presentation of gold. It also points to the eternal kingship of Jesus established through His death and resurrection.

Frankincense was a type of oil, or resin, used in worship to God which represented a fragrant offering which ascended to the holies. This gift acknowledged Jesus’ divinity which the Scriptures describe Jesus as the High Priest, mediating between God and humanity. Its inclusion at Jesus’ birth underscores the theological claim that He is both God and man.

Myrrh and Frankincense were burial spices, and the presentation of this gift is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ suffering and death. The gift of myrrh highlights the purpose of His birth: to die for the sins of the world. In John 19:39–40, we read that Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea used myrrh in the preparation of Jesus's body for burial.

The Bible does not explicitly describe the visitors as kings and it does not specify their number but we can assume that there were at least two because they are referred to in the plural. Considering the value of the gifts they brought it is more likely that there were at least 10-12 magi and their entourage. Their appearance would have been extremely conspicuous and the event wouldn't have gone unnoticed.

Matthew refers to these men as "magoi", a Greek term (μάγοι) used for astrologers, priests, or scholars from the East; they were definitely foreigners. What we know is that the number three is inferred from the three gifts recorded in the text. We can also assume that the appearance of these men would have been understood; the weight of their significance would have been clear to the Jewish priestly class familiar with the prophecy in Psalm 72:10-11, “The kings of the West, and the islands, will pay tribute to him. The kings of Arabia and Ethiopia will offer him gifts. All kings will bow down before him and all nations will serve him.” 

Bible Interpreter and author Mark Ward shares that the word used in Matthew 2 to describe the Magi also shows up in Acts 13 to describe Elymas, a Jewish false prophet. So our Bible interpreters often use the words kings, or magi, to deflect the bad connotation associated with the terms sorcerer, astrologist, or occultist.
https://youtu.be/W2A9FXATDt8?si=Hz-QYf7OSrMzdl65

D. A. Carson wrote, “The term loosely covered a wide variety of men interested in dreams, astrology, magic, and books thought to contain mysterious references to the future and the like. Some Magi honestly inquired after the truth, however, many were rogues and charlatans.” 
[D. A. Carson, Revised Expositor’s Biblical Commentary]

Historically speaking, what we can infer, regarding the magi, is that they are believed to have been Zoroastrian priests or astrologers from Persia or Babylon. Astrology was a respected science in the ancient Near East. The Behistun Inscription, written by Darius the Great, contains the earliest known use of the word magi. It also refers to a magus (singular for magi) as a Zoroastrian priest.

This historical association with astrology, divination, and other esoteric practices has spawned the occasional reference to the magi as sorcerers. As part of the Zoroastrian priestly caste, they performed religious ceremonies and acted as mediators between gods and humans. They were seen as keepers of sacred knowledge, blending religion with science, particularly astronomy, dream interpretation, and other practices often linked to what we now consider "magic" or "sorcery." In the Median and Persian empires, the Magi were highly respected advisors, scholars, and interpreters of omens.

While the tradition of the "Three Kings" adds depth to the Christmas narrative, it is plausible that the Magi were linked to the Jewish Diaspora in Babylon. This is something I alluded to earlier speaking of Persia, India, and Africa as traditional origins for the kings. This connection could explain their familiarity with Jewish messianic prophecies and their interest in the "star" signaling the birth of the King of the Jews. 

After the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BC, a significant Jewish community remained in Babylon even after many Jews returned to Jerusalem. Daniel, a prominent Jewish figure in Babylon, is described as a wise man and advisor to kings (Daniel 2:48). Thus, his progeny and school of teaching potentially integrated Jewish teachings into Babylonian intellectual circles.

Their interest in the star of Bethlehem may reflect an astrological interpretation influenced by Jewish eschatology they encountered in Babylon. Babylon’s location and its historical ties to Judaism make it a plausible origin for the Magi's journey to Judea. The idea of Gentile scholars recognizing and honoring the Jewish Messiah fits Matthew’s theme of Jesus being a savior for all nations.

The Magi’s connection to the Jewish Diaspora in Babylon is a compelling possibility that aligns with historical, cultural, and biblical evidence. It underscores how Jewish beliefs could have influenced other cultures, setting the stage for the magi's recognition of Jesus' significance.

What was the star?

The Star of Bethlehem, described in the Gospel of Matthew (2:1–12), has intrigued scholars, theologians, and scientists for centuries. Matthew describes the Magi seeing a "star in the east" that led them to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem. The star is said to have "stopped" over the place where the child was, aiding the Magi in locating Jesus. The text in Matthew does not specify its brightness, color, or other astronomical details.

Early Christian writers like Origen (3rd century) suggested it was a divine or miraculous light, not a natural phenomenon. His observation is key in understanding the miracle of the star.

There is also the teaching that this star was a fulfillment of Prophecy. The star is often linked to Numbers 24:17, where it says, "A star shall come out of Jacob". In this way it is viewed symbolically as a fulfillment of Jewish messianic prophecy. In Genesis 1:14, we are told that the Sun, moon, and stars were placed in the heavens to be a sign to us, before the very eyes of all creation.

Modern astronomers and historians have proposed several natural explanations for the star, including Johannes Kepler (17th century) who suggested the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in 7 BCE as a candidate. It would have been visible in the constellation Pisces, a celestial event symbolically tied to Jewish messianic hopes. But the dates are problematic. 

Other candidates here are comets such as Halley's Comet, which would have passed by in 12 BC. However, its timing is likely too early to align with Jesus' birth. Chinese astronomical records record comets or "guest stars" in 5 BCE, but interpretations vary. A nova or supernova could explain the brightness and sudden appearance of the star, but no definitive supernova matching the timeframe of Jesus' birth has been identified in ancient records.

From here explanations break down into unique atmospheric phenomena in which some theorists propose a rare atmospheric event or an optical illusion, this explanation is less favored though and is seldom pursued as viable.

Michael S. Heiser talks about a new theory which ties the appearance of signs in the sky to Jewish astrological interpretation and astrological charts found at the site of the Dead-Sea scrolls. In their writing, the Qumran people, through the use of zodiac and astronomy, reveal a window in which Jesus was born; and in that window there occurs a celestial event which supports the Star of Bethlehem narrative. Using their knowledge of celestial signs the Jews would have concluded that God has a plan and those plans are linked to time.

The Qumran people had been separated from the Pharisees because they disagreed with the zodiac calendar being used in the temple. There have been a dozen or more of these calendars discovered, as well as astronomical texts which reference their use. In Revelation 12:1-5, we see how John records his dream using these symbols tied to the Jewish zodiac calendar. We know he did this by the phrase he repeats, “I looked up at the sky and saw…” This verse is, in fact, a retelling of the birth of Christ using the imagery of Jewish astrology. John alludes to Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God…” in his recounting of his vision. People like the Jews and the Magi believed that God telegraphed His plans in the skies. 

In the skies before the birth of Christ, the king star “Regulus”, and the king planet “Jupiter”, overlapped inside the Leo constellation, and this was positioned above the constellation of Virgo, which was also known as the virgin. This occurred for a period of 20 days, and within those 20 days, the moon would have appeared inside the Scorpio constellation at the feet of Virgo for an 80 minute period. Leo, as we know, is represented by a lion which is also the animal which represents the tribe of Judah. Scorpio, as it's called now, was referred to as the dragon, and it was situated in a position of subjugation at the feet of the woman. This ties in perfectly with what John describes in the Book of Revelation.

If you run this information through an astronomical modeling program we get only one date when this could have occurred, September 11, 3 BC. This date was also New Years Day on the Jewish Calendar, the first day of the reign of every new Davidic king and it marked the celebration known as the feast of Trumpets. 

Is all of this merely a coincidence? Only God could have arranged this celestial occurrence to occur, and He did it at the moment of creation. What this says to me is that God always had a plan, and the plan was timed to perfection.
https://youtu.be/52hVgs5ykFc?si=UFJxcEVucUD0zFpT

From a theological perspective, the Star of Bethlehem holds profound symbolic significance in the Biblical narrative. Just as God guided the Israelites with a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21), the star serves as a celestial sign leading the Magi to the Christ child. We can exegete God's intention to guide all people — Jew and Gentile — toward His salvation through Jesus.

The star’s appearance has often been pointed to as signaling the breaking of spiritual darkness with the arrival of the Messiah. Isaiah 9:2 says, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light" and this is quoted in Matthew 4:16. We know that light in the Bible often represents divine presence, truth, and salvation; and so the appearance of the star prefigures Jesus’ identity as the "light of the world" (John 8:12).

The star in Old Testament messianic prophecies, symbolizes the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and the nations. We read in Numbers 24:17, "A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel." The star is seen as a literal and figurative fulfillment of this prophecy, pointing to Jesus as the prophesied ruler.

Interestingly, the Magi’s journey contrasts with the religious leaders in Jerusalem, who fail to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. We see that the star draws Magi from the East, and this signifies the inclusion of all nations in the salvific plan of God.

Eschatologically, the star points to the larger cosmic significance of Jesus' birth, and this is echoed later by the New Testament writings. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus is referred to as the "bright morning star," connecting the Bethlehem star to Christ’s ultimate role in bringing about the new creation and eternal light.

Not unlike the Magi, the star is only mentioned by Matthew. We need to remember that Matthew's audience was the Jewish people. So for him to mention this would have been for their benefit. 

Danny Faulkner of Answers in Genesis says that two Celestial phenomena occurred; first, in Matthew 2:2, something in the sky brought the magi to Jerusalem; second, in Matthew 2:9, something in the sky brought them to Bethlehem and stopped above the place where Jesus was born.

Because of the rotation of the earth, we know that all stars rise in the east and move to the west, so whatever it was the Magi were following, it had to have been something out of the ordinary. When presented to King Herod, this phenomenon was revealed by the scribes as having been prophesied in Micah 5:2, and pointed to a king coming out of Bethlehem. Upon leaving Herod, the Magi travel during the night to Bethlehem because the star had reappeared and went before them. This again, is a very peculiar observation.

This second reference to the star reveals a heavenly body acting very un-star-like. All natural explanations of what actually happened fall short, in fact based on its movements, to call it a star would be insulting to the Magi. So a natural explanation does not fit Matthew's account at all. This leaves us with a supernatural explanation of what the Magi observed during their journey into Bethlehem. If we are to examine the Scriptures, there is one explanation that seems to fit this description of a light which can move and stop in place; that is the Shekinah Glory of God which we know of from the Exodus account. This would explain its localized nature and movements; it would also mean that this event is non repeatable. It is for this reason that Matthews' record of these events would have been so important to his audience.
https://youtu.be/EcPhaO3pY5Y?si=gBo5gDKtFgxycA6E

Why are the Magi in the Christmas story?

The story of the Magi in Matthew 2 has become deeply intertwined with the Christmas narrative, but examining its placement and thematic connections offers insights into its theological and narrative significance. The Magi’s journey emphasizes the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, even by Gentiles, aligning with the theme of divine revelation through His birth.

The presentation of gifts and worship highlights Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and eventual suffering. Jesus’ universal significance complements the nativity by symbolizing His appeal to all people.

The story of the Magi is celebrated as part of the Christmas season in the Western Church, culminating in Epiphany (January 6), which commemorates their visit. Over time, this liturgical linkage integrated their narrative into Christmas iconography and storytelling.

Often the Christmas story is one of profound peace, gentleness, and celebration. However it is the arrival of the Magi that sparks a powder keg of violence under an already unstable tyrannical ruler. The narrative of the Magi sets up a dramatic contrast between the humble worship of foreign sages and Herod’s violent rejection of the Messiah. What we find is that this tension is a central theme in Matthew’s Gospel and is sometimes lost in the festive portrayal of the nativity.

The arrival of Jesus marked the beginning of a religious movement that would profoundly shape the world. His teachings, centered on love, forgiveness, and salvation, were met with both fervent acceptance and intense opposition. Over the centuries, his message sparked widespread change, but also provoked rejection, violence, and turmoil. Political and religious authorities often resisted his ideas, leading to conflicts and persecutions. Christianity, spreading across the globe, became a force for both spiritual transformation and division. The movement initiated by his teachings has therefore been a source of profound devotion, but also conflict and upheaval, echoing through 2,000 years of human history.

The journey of the Magi holds profound theological significance within Christian tradition. Their long pilgrimage to Bethlehem signifies the universal reach of Christ's message, illustrating that divine revelation is not confined to Israel but extends to all people. Their journey reflects a spiritual quest for truth and salvation, guided by the star, which symbolizes God’s active role in leading seekers to Christ.

The Magi's visit emphasizes themes of kingship, divinity, and suffering, as they recognize and honor the deity of Jesus. Their willingness to undertake such a journey exemplifies faith, trusting in God's guidance despite uncertainty about the destination or outcome. In following the star, the Magi demonstrate a deep commitment to seeking God's truth, even when it leads them into unknown territory.

Additionally, the Magi's journey foreshadows the future spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities, pointing to the eventual inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith. Their visit marks the beginning of a global mission, showing that Christ’s message is for all nations, not just one people group. The theme of divine revelation and the invitation to salvation extended to the entire world reflects the journey of the Magi. When paired with Christmas, this larger story can be overshadowed by the immediate focus on the birth of Jesus.

The story of the Magi connects deeply with Old Testament themes, particularly the Shekinah, the promise of a redeemer, and God’s use of the most unlikely people. In the Old Testament, the Shekinah represents God’s visible presence, guiding His people, such as the cloud leading Israel through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). In the Magi’s journey, the star serves as a similar divine sign, guiding them to the birthplace of Christ, symbolizing God’s presence not just for Israel but for the whole world.

Furthermore, God's choice of the Magi — Gentiles, scholars, and outsiders — aligns with His recurring pattern of selecting unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes, as seen in figures like Abraham and David. New Testament writers, particularly Matthew, highlight the Magi to emphasize Christ’s universal mission and the breaking of traditional boundaries (Matthew 2:1-12).

The Magi saw an anomaly in the stars. Why did they see it? Because they were expecting it. They believed the prophecies even more than the Jews for whom these prophecies were given. In the course of less than 500 years the people of God had turned away from Him again. It isn't that the Jews didn't have the information; the scribes were able to tell Herod exactly where Jesus was born based only on the Scriptures, but they really didn't seem to care. There was a blindness that seemed to have inflicted those for whom the Messiah had come. What the Magi experienced was very specific and God breathed. God made sure to lead the Magi to Bethlehem.

There are over 300 prophecies surrounding the life of Jesus and they were all fulfilled perfectly. What was the response of the Jews? The Pharisees and Sadducees conspired against Him, and the Jewish people petitioned for Jesus to be killed. 

God has a good idea of what is going on, at all times, and is never surprised. He has everything under control and God always has a plan. Don't get so busy with your life that you forget what is really important. This will all come to an end and we must be certain we have heard the call, seen the truth, and responded to the truth of Christ.

Closing

The journey of the Magi demonstrates that true knowledge and purpose are found not in esoteric practices but in seeking the one true God. God is the master planner of history and the people who should have known, missed it. Jesus came, as Paul said, “To the Jew first, also to the Gentiles.”  Jesus said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”  And when the king arrived, His people wouldn’t praise Him; so, God made sure that there was somebody there to do it. 

In our world today we celebrate Christmas, pass around the Christmas cards, and look at the wise men, but we don’t understand the point of why they are in the story.  We don’t know the meaning.  We don’t see who Jesus is. And yet, some of us still bow to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.