Summary

The 3 wise man bible verse

The 3 wise man bible verse

The Star-Led Journey: The Ultimate Biblical Guide to the Wise Men (Magi)

Part 1: The Scripture Collection (50+ Verses)

While the Magi only appear in Matthew 2, their story is connected to Old Testament prophecies of Messiah and Gentile worship. I have curated the direct narrative, the prophecies they fulfilled, and the theological implications.

The Narrative: Matthew 2 (The Primary Text)

1. Matthew 2:1 – “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.”

2. Matthew 2:2 – “Saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'”

3. Matthew 2:3 – “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”

4. Matthew 2:4 – “And assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.”

5. Matthew 2:5 – “They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:'”

6. Matthew 2:6 – “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'” (Quoting Micah 5:2).

7. Matthew 2:7 – “Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.”

8. Matthew 2:8 – “And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.'”

9. Matthew 2:9 – “After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.”

10. Matthew 2:10 – “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

11. Matthew 2:11 – “And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

12. Matthew 2:12 – “And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

13. Matthew 2:16 – “Then Herod… sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.”

The Prophecies (Why They Came)

14. Numbers 24:17 – “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.” (Balaam’s prophecy, likely known to Eastern magi).

15. Isaiah 60:3 – “And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

16. Isaiah 60:6 – “A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall bring good news, the praises of the Lord.”

17. Psalm 72:10 – “May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts!”

18. Psalm 72:11 – “May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!”

19. Psalm 72:15 – “Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him!”

20. Micah 5:2 – “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah… from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.”

The Gifts & Their Meaning

21. Song of Solomon 3:6 – “What is that coming up from the wilderness like columns of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense?”

22. Exodus 30:34 – “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense.” (Frankincense for priesthood/worship).

23. John 19:39 – “Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.” (Myrrh for burial).

24. Revelation 21:24 – “By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.”

25. 1 Kings 10:2 – “She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold.” (Queen of Sheba type).

The Gentile Inclusion (The Mystery Revealed)

26. Ephesians 3:6 – “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

27. Romans 15:9 – “And in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.”

28. Romans 15:10 – “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

29. Acts 10:34-35 – “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”

30. Acts 13:47 – “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

31. Isaiah 49:6 – “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

32. Luke 2:32 – “A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

33. Malachi 1:11 – “For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations.”

34. Zechariah 8:23 – “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'”

Wisdom & Seeking God

35. Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

36. Proverbs 8:17 – “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.”

37. Psalm 105:4 – “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!”

38. Hebrews 11:6 – “He rewards those who seek him.”

39. Proverbs 25:2 – “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.”

40. Daniel 2:21 – “He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

41. Daniel 2:47 – “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries.”

42. 1 Corinthians 1:26 – “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards.”

43. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.”

44. Psalm 111:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

45. Colossians 2:3 – “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Worship & Obedience

46. Psalm 95:6 – “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!”

47. Psalm 29:2 – “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”

48. John 4:23 – “But the hour is coming… when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”

49. Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than men.” (The Magi disobeying Herod).

50. Psalm 2:11-12 – “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry.”

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Part 2: Top 30 Forum Q&A (The Mysteries of the Magi)

I have analyzed the most active discussions on r/AcademicBiblical, r/Christianity, and History forums to answer the real historical and theological questions people ask.

1. Q: Were there exactly three wise men? A: The Bible never says “three.” It says they brought three gifts (Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh). Tradition inferred three men from the three gifts, but there could have been two or a dozen.

2. Q: Were they kings? (“We Three Kings”) A: Matthew calls them Magoi (Magi), which means astrologers, priests, or wise men from the East (likely Persia/Babylon). They were King-makers, not kings themselves, though later tradition (Psalm 72:10) elevated them to royalty.

3. Q: Did they arrive on the night of Jesus’ birth? A: No. Matthew 2:11 says they entered the “house” (not a stable) and saw the “child” (paidion – toddler), not “baby” (brephos – infant). They likely arrived 1-2 years after his birth, hence Herod killing children “two years old and under.”

4. Q: What is the significance of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh? A:

• Gold: For a King (Royalty).

• Frankincense: For a Priest (Divinity/Worship).

• Myrrh: For a Sacrifice (Burial spice for death).

• Together, they prophesy Jesus as the King-Priest who would die for the world.

5. Q: How did they know about the Star? A: Likely from the Jewish diaspora in Babylon (Daniel’s influence). They would have known Balaam’s prophecy (Numbers 24:17) about a “Star coming out of Jacob.”

6. Q: What was the “Star”? A: Theories include a supernova, a planetary conjunction (Jupiter/Saturn), or the Shekinah Glory of God. The text says it “moved and stood over” the place, suggesting a supernatural phenomenon rather than a fixed celestial body.

7. Q: Who were Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar? A: These names are not in the Bible. They appear in later manuscripts (like the Armenian Infancy Gospel) and medieval tradition to represent the three continents known at the time (Europe, Asia, Africa).

8. Q: Why did they go to Herod first? A: It was a logical assumption. If a “King of the Jews” was born, they assumed he would be in the royal palace in the capital (Jerusalem). This mistake alerted Herod and led to the massacre.

9. Q: Why was Herod “troubled”? A: Herod the Great was paranoid about his throne. He had already killed his own wife and sons to protect his power. A new “King” was a direct threat to his dynasty.

10. Q: Is astrology biblical because the Magi used it? A: No. The Bible forbids divination (Deut 18). However, God spoke to the Magi in the language they understood (stars) to bring them to the Truth. Once they found Jesus, they didn’t need the star anymore; they had the Word.

11. Q: What is Epiphany? A: Celebrated January 6th, it marks the revelation (epiphaneia) of God to the Gentiles (Magi). In the East, it celebrates Jesus’ baptism.

12. Q: Did the Magi become Christians? A: Tradition says Thomas baptized them later in India, but the Bible is silent. Their worship suggests they recognized Jesus’ divinity.

13. Q: Why did they go home “another way”? A: They were warned in a dream. It also serves as a metaphor: No one meets Jesus and goes back the same way they came. Encountering Christ changes your direction.

14. Q: What happened to the gold? A: Many speculate it funded the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13), sustaining them as refugees.

15. Q: Why does Luke not mention the Magi? A: Luke focuses on the downtrodden (Shepherds). Matthew writes for a Jewish audience to show Jesus is the Messiah of the nations and the fulfillment of prophecy.

16. Q: Were they sorcerers? A: The root word magi is where we get “magic,” but in the Persian context, they were highly educated scientists, astronomers, and counselors to kings.

17. Q: Why frankincense? A: It was used in the Temple incense. Offering it to a child was an acknowledgment that He was God.

18. Q: Why myrrh? A: It was a burial spice. It was a somber gift for a baby, foreshadowing that He was born to die.

19. Q: Did they ride camels? A: The Bible doesn’t say, but Isaiah 60:6 mentions “a multitude of camels” coming from Midian, which influenced the imagery.

20. Q: How long was their journey? A: From Babylon/Persia to Jerusalem is about 800-900 miles. It likely took several months.

21. Q: Why are they called “Wise Men”? A: Because they sought Jesus. “Wise men still seek Him.” Also, they were the intelligentsia of their day.

22. Q: Is the “Fourth Wise Man” real? A: No, that is a fictional story (Artaban) written by Henry van Dyke in 1895.

23. Q: What is the “King of the Jews” title significance? A: It is the title the Magi used at His birth, and the title Pilate put on the Cross at His death. His life is bookended by this title.

24. Q: Why did the scribes know where (Bethlehem) but didn’t go? A: They had head knowledge (Scripture) but no heart desire. The Magi had less knowledge but more desire.

25. Q: What does their worship look like? A: “Fell down.” It was total submission. Proskuneo (Greek) means to kiss the ground/face down.

26. Q: Are there relics of the Magi? A: The Cologne Cathedral in Germany claims to hold the “Shrine of the Three Kings” with their bones.

27. Q: Why did God use a star? A: Psalm 19 says the heavens declare the glory of God. He used nature to lead nature-watchers to the Creator.

28. Q: Did they know about Herod’s massacre? A: Likely not, as they had already left.

29. Q: Why is Matthew 2 read during Epiphany? A: Because it is the moment the Gospel expanded beyond Jewish borders to the Gentiles.

30. Q: What is the lesson of the Magi for today? A: That Jesus is for everyone—rich, poor, Jew, Gentile, intellectual, and simple.

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Part 3: 20 Actionable Tips for Daily Application

At Work & Career

1. Seek Wisdom: The Magi were scholars. Use your career to “search things out” (Prov 25:2). Excellence in your field is a form of worship.

2. Bring Gifts: Don’t just show up to work to take a paycheck. Bring your “gifts” (talents, encouragement, innovation) to the King by serving your team.

3. Defy Herod: When authority demands you do something unethical (like Herod asked the Magi), obey God rather than men. Have the courage to go “another way.”

4. Invest Resources: The Magi used their wealth to worship. Use your financial bonus or salary to fund Kingdom work.

In Studies (School/University)

5. Follow the Star: Pursue truth. If you study science, let it lead you to the Creator. All truth is God’s truth.

6. Intellectual Humility: The Magi were the smartest men of their age, yet they bowed to a toddler. No matter how many degrees you get, bow to Jesus.

7. The “Scribe” Warning: Don’t be like the scribes who knew the answers but missed the Messiah. Let your study lead to devotion, not just data.

8. Cultural Engagement: The Magi engaged with a foreign culture to find Truth. Read books outside your bubble to understand how to reach others.

Social Life & Relationships

9. Journey Together: The Magi didn’t travel alone. Find a group of friends who are willing to go on a long spiritual journey with you.

10. Generosity: Give the “best” to your friends. Don’t give leftover time or energy. Give “Gold” (your best presence).

11. Protection: The Magi protected Jesus by not reporting back to Herod. Protect your friends’ reputations by not gossiping.

12. Inclusion: The Magi were outsiders. Invite the “outsider” to your table this Christmas.

Family & Home

13. The “Three Gifts” Rule: Limit Christmas gifts to three (Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh) to reduce materialism and focus on meaning.

14. Epiphany Tradition: On Jan 6th, move the Wise Men figures in your nativity set all the way to the manger. It teaches the timeline.

15. Star Gazing: Take the kids outside to look at stars. Teach them Psalm 19 and the story of the Magi.

16. Joyful Worship: Matthew 2:10 says they “rejoiced exceedingly.” Create a home atmosphere of excessive joy, not just duty.

17. Sacrificial Giving: Teach kids that Myrrh represents sacrifice. Encourage them to give a toy away to a child in need.

18. Listening to Dreams: The Magi and Joseph both listened to dreams. Encourage your family to pay attention to how God speaks.

19. The Long Haul: Remind your family that the Christian walk is a marathon (like the Magi’s journey), not a sprint.

20. Worship Posture: Teach kids that worship isn’t just singing; it’s bowing down (submission) and opening treasures (giving).

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Part 4: Bonus – Life Improvement with the “Jesus Method”

How the Theology of the Magi Upgrades Your Life

• The Seeker Mindset: The Magi were not content with what they knew; they sought more. Adopting a lifelong learner mindset keeps your brain young and your spirit fresh.

• Radical Generosity: The Magi gave without guarantee of return. Giving “Gold” (value) releases you from the grip of greed and creates an abundance mentality.

• Flexibility (The Pivot): They planned to go back to Herod, but God said “No.” They were flexible enough to change routes. Being spiritually agile allows you to navigate life’s roadblocks without despair.