Epiphany

Today, the Church celebrates Epiphany, or the visitation of the Christ child by the Magi. The Gospel of Matthew records this event, along with the account of the 'Star of Bethlehem'. If these Magi really existed, who were they?

In addition to Matthew's Gospel, the Old Testament Book of Daniel gives us a little bit of information about them during the 12 century BC reign of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. They are described as men who were experts in politics, religion, astronomy, and astrology.  A small number of Jewish captives, captured when the Babylonian army invaded and conquered the Holy Land, interacted with and were instructed by Magi.

The bible aside, there are several, non-biblical sources for them as well. For example:

- Herodotus (Greek historian) says they were originally one of the six tribes of the Medes, a priestly caste (of the Zoroastrian religion) similar to the Levites among the Israelites. He adds that they were influential enough to overturn some royal powers.

- Pliny the Elder (Roman historian) says they traveled and presented themselves to royalty with tremendous pomp and circumstance.

- Philo (Jewish historian) says they gave themselves to the study of the laws of nature and the divine perfections, and were worthy of being royal counselors.

- Strabo (Greek historian) says some of the Magi even became kings in the Parthian empire.

- Cicero (Roman historian) and Plutarch (Greek historian) said that the Magi instructed princes and kings in the East.

There's even historical precedent outside the bible for Magi making a long journey to present gifts to a king. When Tiridates I, of the order of the Magi, was made King of Armenia by Emperor Nero, he and a procession of other Magi traveled to Rome to deliver gifts to Nero.


Finally, how many Magi were there and how old was Christ when they came to visit?  

While three gifts are named in the biblical account (gold, frankincense, and myrrh), the number of Magi is not specified. Early Christian art depicted anywhere from 2-8.


As for Christ's age at the time of the Magi's visit, a more careful analysis of the Gospel of Matthew indicates that the Magi were not actually present at the birth of Christ. Instead, they likely would have met Him when He was anywhere from 1 to 2 years old. For example, Matthew uses the Greek word 'paidon' to describe Christ, which means young child, instead of 'brephos' which means infant.