An Overview
The Bible is considered to be the most important book of Christianity and many believe it holds all of the answers. One question that many have is whether the Bible says there were three kings. The answer is both yes and no. It is yes in the sense that the Bible does mention three wise men or magi who visited the baby Jesus, but it is no in the sense that the Bible does not necessarily refer to them as kings.
The Story
The story of the three wise men is found in the New Testament of the Bible in the book of Matthew. It states that wise men from the East saw a star and followed it to the town of Bethlehem where they found the infant Jesus. The wise men offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby. This is why they are often referred to as “the three kings.”
Symbolic Significance
The story of the three wise men has a great deal of symbolic significance. The three gifts that they offered to the baby Jesus have symbolic meanings. Gold is often seen as a symbol of wealth and power, frankincense was often used as an offering to God in the Old Testament and myrrh is a symbol of death and suffering. Thus, the three gifts represent Jesus’s kingship, divinity, and destiny.
Wise Men Versus Kings
Although the wise men are often referred to as “the three kings,” they were actually magi, or wise men, from Persia. Biblical scholars point out that the term “king” is never actually used in the Bible to refer to them. This is why some believe that the story of the three kings is actually a depiction of wise men from Persia who followed a star to find the baby Jesus.
Historical Context
When one considers the story of the three wise men in historical context, it is important to note that it is not historically accurate. In the New Testament account, it states that the wise men visited Jesus shortly after his birth. However, in actuality, the wise men likely visited Jesus when he was between 12 and 2 years old. Additionally, the New Testament does not mention their names or the exact number of wise men that visited Jesus.
Did the Three Kings Really Exist?
The question of whether the three kings actually existed is still up for debate. Some Biblical scholars have suggested that the story of the three wise men was based on a real event, but that the details were exaggerated to make them seem more mythical and symbolic. Additionally, some point out that the gifts that were given may have been metaphorical rather than literal.
The Significance of the Three Kings in Christianity
Although the exact story of the three wise men is still debated, it is generally accepted that they served as a symbol of the importance of Jesus in Christianity. By following the star and offering their gifts, they acknowledged Jesus as King and established him as the central figure in Christianity.
Doctrines and Practices
Many Christian churches recognize the significance of the Three Kings and have doctrines and practices based on them. Epiphany, which is celebrated in many Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, commemorates the visit of the Three Kings. Additionally, many churches have adopted the phrase “The Three Kings” to refer to Jesus and the two thieves that were crucified with him.
Modern Interpretations
Modern interpretations of the story of the three wise men vary widely. Some see it as a parable about the importance of faith and humility. Others see it as a metaphor for the power of knowledge and wisdom. Still others view it as an example of how people of different faiths and backgrounds can come together to worship one God.
Popular Culture
The story of the three wise men has become a popular feature of holiday celebrations around the world. From nativity scenes to Christmas carols, the Three Kings have become a beloved part of Christmas and Easter traditions. Additionally, the story of the three wise men has been the focus of plays, films, and even operas.
Conclusion
The question of whether the Bible says there were three kings is complex and still debated. On the one hand, the Bible does mention three magi or wise men who visited Jesus, but it does not actually refer to them as kings. On the other hand, their story has a great deal of symbolic significance and has become a beloved part of Christian culture. Regardless of the exact details, the story of the three wise men is a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of Jesus in Christianity.
