Does The Bible Say Three Kings?
The Bible does not explicitly say there were three wise men that visited Jesus when He was born. The Bible does, however, tell us that there were three gifts presented to the baby Jesus by the wise men: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And, although the Bible does not tell us the exact number of wise men, the most commonly accepted interpretation is that there were three.
The Bible story in Matthew 2:1-11 that deals with the visit of the wise men to the baby Jesus begins with the statement, “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.” The initial statement does not say how many wise men there were, although some translations mention “three” wise men. However, the number three is based on tradition and is not supported by scripture.
Most early Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Ambrose, wrote of three wise men representing the three continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia, or Hebraism, Paganism and Christianity. Eastern theologians traditionally have 12 wise men, representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
The Magi, as the wise men were called, brought gifts for the baby Jesus. Scripture states that they brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. It is from the listing of these three gifts that the number of the wise men is most popularly accepted as being three, because three gifts are mentioned. Nothing in scripture, however, confirms this idea.
The Bible, then, does not tell us the exact number of Magi that visited Jesus. The more common assumption is that there were three wise men. This assumption is based on the three gifts mentioned in scripture, and the traditions passed down through the generations that connect three wise men with the gifts.
History of the Three Magi
The three wise men, or Magi, were a group of powerful religious scholars who lived during the period of the Old Testament. They lived in many cultures, including the Babylonians, Greeks, Parthians and Romans. The most famous of the Magi is King Belshazzar, the son of Nebuchadnezzar and the last ruler of Babylon.
The Magi were also skilled in astrology and astronomy and were also known as “wise men from the East,” or magoi in Greek. They were very knowledgeable in the stars and were able to predict when an important event, such as the birth of a great leader, would take place. Because of their expertise, the Magi were called upon to serve in courts and at religious festivals.
The wise men were also known for their wealth and their ability to show great respect and honor. This could explain why they brought expensive gifts for the infant Jesus. The wise men were believed to have represented the three corners of the world, which could explain why they brought gifts from the East, West, and South.
The Magi first appear in scripture in the gospel of Matthew, when they are said to have followed a star to Bethlehem and find Jesus. They brought Him gifts, worshipped Him and paid tribute to Him as the King of the Jews. This event is known as the Adoration of the Magi, and is celebrated by Christians all over the world on Epiphany.
The Three Gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
The wise men were the first to recognize the significance of Jesus’ birth and the importance of His life. To honor Him, they brought Him three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This was a common practice in the ancient Middle East, where great wealth and power were often symbolized by the offering of riches – such as gold.
Frankincense was thought to have medicinal and spiritual powers. It was often used in incense or perfume, and some scholars believe it could have been a symbolic representation of Jesus’ life as a sacrifice for us. Myrrh was a precious perfume and was a symbol of death and mourning in the Middle East. It was often used anoint a body for burial. Its inclusion in the gifts could have symbolized Jesus’ coming death on the cross.
The gifts that the Magi offered to Jesus were an expression of their honor and respect for Him. These gifts have become an iconic part of the nativity story, and have been a symbol of reverence, loyalty and love throughout the Christian world.
The Religious Significance of the Three Kings
The story of the Magi has long been interpreted as a sign of divine approval. The fact that they were wise men, skilled in the stars and knowledgeable in religions, is seen as an indication of God’s approval of Jesus as the “Chosen One.” The three gifts are also seen as symbols of divinity and holiness.
The story of the Magi has been used over the centuries as a metaphor for our own spiritual journey. They followed a star to find Jesus, and the same is true for us. We too must follow a star – a spiritual star – in our journey to find God in our lives. In the same way, the three gifts the Magi brought to Jesus serve as a reminder that we too can be receive guidance from God.
The three wise men also represent the idea that Christianity is for everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity or background. The Magi served as a symbol of unity and tolerance amongst differing cultures, which is a lesson that Christians today still struggle to incorporate into our beliefs.
Symbolic Significance of the Three Magi
The story of the three wise men who followed a star to worship the baby Jesus has become an integral part of Christian tradition and culture. No matter what the exact number of wise men may have been, their symbolic significance remains the same.
The Magi often symbolize truth, because they were among the first to recognize the truth of who Jesus was. They represent wisdom and spiritual guidance. Like the Magi, many of us are searching for spiritual guidance and comfort in our lives. The story of the three wise men reminds us that, if we seek wisdom and spiritual guidance, we too can find it, just as the Magi did.
The Continuing Legacy of Three Kings
The story of the three wise men has become an integral part of Christianity and is told and re-told each year during the season of Advent. We do not know the exact number of wise men, but this does not diminish the impact of the story or the message it conveys.
The legacy of the three kings has been celebrated throughout the centuries, not only by Christians, but by people of many faiths. The three wise men are a symbol of the power of faith, of the importance of spiritual guidance, and of the inherent worth of all people. Their legacy continues to inspire us today.
Deciphering the Ancient Texts
The exact number of wise men that visited Jesus is a mystery. Many have speculated that there were three, based on the fact that three gifts are mentioned in the Bible. But, there is no explicit mention of the number of wise men.
As much as we may want to know the exact number of wise men, it is important to remember that the main point of the story is not necessarily the number of wise men, but what they symbolize: truth, wisdom and spiritual guidance. Whatever the number of wise men may have been, the gifts they brought to Jesus are a reminder to us that we too can seek spiritual guidance and truth.
The Significance of the Gifts
The three gifts that were presented to Jesus were gold, frankincense and myrrh. Many scholars have wondered why exactly these three gifts were chosen, but the general consensus is that they were intended to symbolize something.
Gold symbolizes Jesus’ kingship and divinity. Frankincense is thought to signify Jesus’ holiness and spiritual powers. Finally, myrrh is thought to represent Jesus’ coming death and suffering. Together, the three gifts symbolize Jesus’ mission on earth and the ultimate sacrifice He made for us.
Interpreting the Symbolism of the Magi
The symbolism of the three wise men has been interpreted in many ways. Some believe that they represent the three branches of Christianity. Others believe they symbolize humility, wisdom, and love. They can also be seen as a representation of the all-encompassing, inclusive nature of Christianity.
The three wise men also remind us that faith is powerful, that spiritual guidance exists and is accessible, and that we don’t have to look far to find it. They remind us that, like the Magi, we too can make the journey to seek truth and guidance.
Modern Significance of the Three Magi
The story of the three Magi has long been a part of Christian tradition and culture, and its significance and meaning remain relevant today. They remind us of the importance of seeking spiritual guidance, of embracing diversity, and of listening to the still, small voice of God.
The Magi also remind us of the power of hope and faith, and of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us. Their story is one of unity, tolerance, and acceptance – a lesson that is still relevant and necessary in our world today.
