Topical Bible: Heathen: The Magi (The Wise Men from the East)

◄ Heathen: The Magi (The Wise Men from the East) ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "heathen" traditionally refers to those who do not belong to the Abrahamic faiths, often encompassing various pagan or polytheistic beliefs. Within the context of the New Testament, the Magi, or Wise Men from the East, present a fascinating study of how God’s revelation extends beyond the boundaries of Israel to the Gentile world.

Biblical Account

The Magi are introduced in the Gospel of Matthew, where they are described as wise men from the East who come to Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of the Jews. Their story is found in Matthew 2:1-12. The Berean Standard Bible recounts:

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, asking, 'Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.'" (Matthew 2:1-2)

Historical and Cultural Context

The Magi were likely members of a priestly caste from Persia or Babylon, skilled in astronomy and astrology. Their journey signifies a recognition of divine truth beyond the Jewish nation, as they interpret celestial signs to find and honor the Messiah. This event underscores the universal scope of Christ’s mission, as even those considered "heathen" by Jewish standards are drawn to worship Him.

Theological Significance

The visit of the Magi holds profound theological implications. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies that Gentiles would come to the light of Israel (Isaiah 60:3). Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize Christ’s kingship, divinity, and future suffering, respectively. The Magi’s homage to Jesus prefigures the inclusion of the Gentiles in the New Covenant, highlighting the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile.

Lessons and Reflections

The account of the Magi challenges believers to recognize God’s sovereignty and His ability to reveal Himself to all peoples, regardless of their background. It serves as a reminder of the call to evangelize and embrace the global mission of the Church. The Magi’s journey of faith, guided by a star, encourages Christians to seek Christ diligently and to offer their lives in worship and service.

In conclusion, the Magi, though initially considered "heathen," exemplify the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (Genesis 22:18). Their story is a testament to the inclusivity of the Gospel and the universal call to worship the true King, Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 2:1-12
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Longing of the Heathen for a Saviour. --The Star of the Wise ...
... just as the general moral culture of the heathen, though under ... The Magi studied
astrology, and in their study found a ... [57] In the case of the wise men, a real ...
/.../section 19 the longing of.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... yet they are looked upon by the Jews as heathen. ... and might have been ready to lead
the magi to His birthplace; but instead of this, the wise men came to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

The First-Fruits of the Gentiles
... I. We see here heathen wisdom led by God to ... to attempt to determine the nationality
of the wise men. Possibly they were Persian magi, whose astronomy was half ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the first-fruits of the gentiles.htm

The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt
... of a house;' [1037] and there the Magi found the ... in the hour when the homage of the
heathen world was ... homage and the silent offerings of the wise men from the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii the visit and.htm

Matt. Ii. 1, 2
... But the magi would not have submitted to prophets. ... also reasons with the Greeks from
an heathen altar, and ... Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily vi matt ii 1.htm

In the Outer Court
... These men came from the West to find the Saviour at the close of His life, as the
wise men had come from the East at the ... The magi from a heathen land came to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 68 in the outer.htm

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
... whole species to which they belonged, the whole heathen world, whose ... of Balaam and
the star of the wise men from the ... The star of the Magi is the symbol of the ...
/.../christology of the old testament/balaams prophecy numb xxiv 17-19.htm

Cyrus, the Servant Of-The Lord {4}
... The Magi, to their credit, told Astyages that his dream ... great Napoleon ought to be
treated by wise men as a ... and most Christian moral of that heathen book is ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/cyrus the servant of-the lord.htm

The Servant of the Lord.
... The Magi, to their credit, told Astyages that his dream ... great Napoleon ought to be
treated by wise men as a ... and most Christian moral of that heathen book is ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture iv the servant of.htm

Matthew.
... which, with all its subserviency to heathen Rome, was ... The wise men of the East come
from a distance to ... the infant Jesus he introduces the adoring Magi from the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 80 matthew.htm