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NASB | Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king (Herod the Great), magi (wise men) from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, |
Bible Question: The teaching of Zoroaster was prevelant in Persia at the time of Christ's arrival in Bethlehem. Why are these magicians and follower of pagan thought brought into such a sacred story? I realize their gifts financed the exile of the family. Is this a classic case of the "wealth of the sinner is laid up the for just? What type of "magic" and "star reading" were they engaged in? |
Bible Answer: They are not magician, They are ("wise men") Magi. Easton Entry: It is not much referred to in the New Testament. The Magi mentioned in Mt 2:1-12 were not magicians in the ordinary sense of the word. They belonged to a religious caste, the followers of Zoroaster, the astrologers of the East. Simon, a magician, was found by Philip at Samaria (Ac 8:9-24); and Paul and Barnabas encountered Elymas, a Jewish sorcerer, at Paphos (Ac 13:6-12). At Ephesus there was a great destruction of magical books (Ac 19:18-19). |