Who were these wise men?
The Greek word for wise men in this account (magoi) is rendered as astrologers where it occurs in the SEPTUAGINT, the Greek translation of the Old Testament (Dan. 1:20; 2:2) and as sorcerer in its other occurrences in the New Testament (Acts 13:6,8).
The Greek historian Herodotus, writing in the fifth century B. C., identified the Magi as a caste of Medes who had a priestly function in the Persian Empire. In the Book of Daniel the "astrologers" (magoi) are grouped with magicians, sorcerers, and Chaldeans as advisers to the court of Babylon with responsibility for interpreting dreams.
The role of the star in suggests a connection with astrology. These astrologers, pursuing their observations of the stars in the heavens, encountered a sign of God. God broke through their misguided system to make the great event known.
The joy, rejoicing, worship, and gifts which mark the response of these wise men to the birth of Jesus is quite a contrast to the troubled state and murderous intent of Herod and his Jewish advisers in Jerusalem.
The tradition that these men were kings dates back to Tertullian (second century). It probably developed as a result of OT passages that say kings will come and worship the Messiah (Ps 68:29, 31; 72:10-11; Is 49:7; 60:1-2)
The theory that there were three of them is probably a deduction from the three gifts.
By the end of the sixth century, the wise men were named; Melchoir, Balthasar, and Gaspar. But Mathew gives no names.
Although these various issues are interesting to consider, the real point of the story is found, not in the identity of, but in the actions and priorities of these wise men.
May God bless you through this message!
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