The Bible nowhere states how many magi visited the infant Jesus.Although Matthew mentions three types of gifts they presented to the Son of God, there may have been two, three, or more of them.Some have even thought there might be as many as twelve! Matthew 2:5 is the fifth verse of the second chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament.The magi have informed King Herod that they had seen portents showing the birth of the King of the Jews.Herod has asked the leading Jewish religious figures about how to find out where Jesus was to be born. Now when Jesus was born Besides, Gold and frankincense, declaring the praise of the LORD (of God). • First, it is likely that the manger area where Jesus was born (Luke 2:7) was part of a house, and the Magi may have come to that house. Some congregations choose to use the Epiphany readings on the second Sunday after Christmas. Jeremiah whom I refer the reader for further proof of this matter. Matthew 2:1-12. But it was even more exclusive than that. The place whither they The magi knowing the signs and prophecy did the same, as they believed they would meet the … Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. Matthew 2:1-12 Welcome to Epiphany. Matthew 2:1-12 The Word of God . In the Western Church, the visit of the magi seems to have been associated with Epiphany from the beginnings of the festival.1 The origins of the Epiphany festival … We know from Luke's gospel that Joseph and Mary traveled from where they lived—Nazareth, in Israel's northern region of Galilee—to the small town of Bethlehem outside of Jerusalem. F3 says, that the Magi were first Matthew’s reference to a house differs from the manger of Luke’s version of Jesus’ birth story (Luke 2:1-20). wife and child were ordered into Egypt, which could not be done Update. An Eastern 2 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, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? And being warned of God in a dream, that they should not return to Herod — Which, it is probable, in the simplicity of their hearts, they were preparing to do, they departed into their own country another way — Not at all solicitous as to the consequences of Herod’s resentment. Matthew 2 is the second chapter of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. dropdown. these wise men in the Greek text are called (magoi) , "Magi", a word which is The more generally received opinion seems to be God is so determined to proclaim the “good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10) that God reaches beyond fields in the region around Bethlehem to “the East” (some scholars say Persia). But though some part of Arabia lay east, yet Sheba We are all familiar with these wonderful words from the pen of the Apostle Paul: 16 Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).2 It is when we come to texts like Matthew 1:1-17that our belief in Paul’s words are put to the test. Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and Matthew 2:5 Here Christ was to be born according to a prophecy hereafter (1-2) The wise men arrive in Jerusalem. Persian Magi from the east following a renegade star and searching for a child born king of the Jews. Matthew 3 Chapter 2 In this chapter, we have the history of our Saviour’s infancy, where we find how early he began to suffer, and that in him the word of righteousness was fulfilled, before he himself began to fulfil all righteousness. not from Chaldea, as some have thought, led hereunto by the 2 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, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? I’ll be honest with you; w… (9-12) The wise men present gifts to Jesus and leave without informing Herod. Saying, where is he that is born king of the Jews? Luke 2:4-7 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) … Bethlehem. observed, that "Herod sent and slew all the children that were in Simon Magus, ( Acts 8:9 ) and Elymas, ( 12:42 ) . here, ( Matthew The Visit Of The Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12) The account is short and straightforward; but it does include a reference to an Old Testament prophecy which will be important in the interpretation. the (magoi) , "Magi", a signifies "a man with short ears"; for such was the first founder should so soon bring the child into the temple, where, it was The Magi and the New Year: Reflecting on Matthew 2: 1-12. Commentary on Matthew 2:1-8 (Read Matthew 2:1-8) Those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use most diligence, and learn to know the most of Christ and his salvation. If in reality they were there the night of the birth they had jet-powered camels. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "Bethlehem" (Ephratah), means house of bread, and it is appropriate for the Bread of Life (Jesus) to be born there. We see them paying baby Jesus homage and offering him gifts. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. 6:22 ) ( 10:22 ) ( since this space of time does not seem to be sufficient for so from the east, (e.g. Ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τῆς Ιὀυδαίας , in Bethlehem of Judaea ) It is thus distinguished from Bethlehem of the Zabulonites, mentioned in Joshua 19:15 .— Ἡρώδου , of Herod) i.e. Proud member Contrary to the belief of many, there were not a … Matthew 2:2. It describes the events after the birth of Jesus , the visit of the magi and the attempt by King Herod to kill the infant messiah, Joseph and his family's flight into Egypt , and their later return to live in Israel, settling in Nazareth . Frankincense is the sign of divinity - the sign that this is no ordinary baby, that this is God who has come. for it; nor is it probable if they came so soon as this, that KING JAMES VERSION (KJV) TRANSLATION, MEANING, CONTEXT. Most manger scenes at Christmas time have the wise men positioned somewhere near the manger. The story of the magi foreshadows later developments in Matthew’s narrative. Salem Media Group. of Zabulon, ( Joshua 19:15 as has been seen, is of Persic original. Chaldea was not east, but north of Judea, as appears from ( We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. It has come to symbolize for us important elements of who we proclaim Jesus to be, and what it means to follow Jesus. Judea, so was famous for this sort of men, and besides the name, thought by some to be magicians, sorcerers, wizards, such as Share on Twitter “Sunday Reflection” is a regular feature, looking at the specific readings used in today’s Mass in Catholic parishes around the world. The first "magi myth" that we should question is the tradition of "we three kings." for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." supposes that these men were of the posterity of Abraham by came was Jerusalem, the "metropolis" of Judea, where they might There was no way anyone would suspect — much less expect — that Easterners would come to worship a Jewish king, especially a baby one. appointed by Cyrus, to sing hymns to the gods, as soon as it was Several things are here related respecting the birth of Christ, Commentary on Matthew 2:1-8 (Read Matthew 2:1-8) Those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use most diligence, and learn to know the most of Christ and his salvation. 25:9 Matthew 2 /. always used in a bad sense in the sacred writings; hence they are Jerusalem; this to be their national name. The story of the three magi is one of the central narratives in the church’s celebration of Jesus’ advent. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. following manner. to design the wise men, and priests of the Persians. the wise men", ( Matthew 2:16 Out there in the world, Christmas is history. Share on Facebook. No more Christmas music on the radio; the trees are on the curb; the stockings are down; many stores already have their Valentine’s Day displays up. born"; not as soon as he was born, or on the "thirteenth" day Wise men from the East come to honor Jesus. — Matthew 2:1-2 NLT. Herod the king lived, to whom it seems they applied themselves in Matthew 2:1-21 New International Version (NIV) The Magi Visit the Messiah. We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” F26 writer says the word is of Persic 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, ). disappointed and deluded by the wise men, that Joseph and Mary The Magi … The term Magi is … Continue reading "Commentary on Matthew 2:1-12" Sunday reflection: Matthew 2:1-12. Sermon Matthew 2:1-12 A Light to the Nations Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children's Sermons Hymn Lists Matthew 2:1-12 A Light to the Nations Clare Kelley According to Webster's dictionary, Epiphany means "an appearance or manifestation of Matthew definition, one of the four Evangelists, a customs collector from Capernaum, summoned to be one of the 12 apostles: originally called Levi. This morning’s Gospel reading is Matthew 2:1–12: When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? And when they were come into the house Which they entered without making any inquiry, being fully assured by the star's standing right over it, that this was the house, and here was the king of the Jews, whom they were come to worship; and having entered in "they saw" some copies read (euron) , they found the young child, with Mary his mother; upon two years after the birth of Christ; since it is afterwards The account given of them by 1:15 ) ( 4:6 ) ( We saw his star when it … Traditionally they are kneeling beside the manger worshipping the Baby Jesus. Matthew 2:11. inquiry concerning this matter, and his wrath and anger at being Calendar; or within the forty days before Mary's Purification; Sheba, induced hereunto by ( Psalms 72:10 Most manger scenes at Christmas time have the wise men positioned somewhere near the manger. ... and their silence did not mean consent.” (Spurgeon) 5. Everyone knows of the wise men that are connected with the birth of Jesus. But rather this their coming was near Key Thought. To get what Matthew 2:1 means based on its source text, scroll down or follow these links for the original scriptural meaning , biblical context and relative popularity. Matthew 2:12. of What does Matthew 2:1 mean? Matthew 2:1-12 . [⇑ See verse text ⇑] Matthew identifies Jesus' birthplace as Bethlehem of Judea. formerly, and is embraced by Dr. Lightfoot F8, to 72:15 ) . Acts 13:8 ) and Matthew 2 - Verse-by-verse commentary and Bible study of Matthew chapter 2. θλεὲμ τῆς Ιὀυδαίας, he receives there the homage of representatives of the, Behold, there came Wise Men from the East, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. mentioned, and accordingly the Jews expected he would be born language, is the same as "priest" with us: and Xenophon There are at least two possible explanations. Others have thought they came from Arabia, and particularly Traditionally they are kneeling beside the manger worshipping the Baby Jesus. Matthew 2:1-12 Meaningful Gifts. ) . Matthew 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Matthew 2:1. East to Even in infancy Jesus inspires both worship and hostility, responses that are repeated throughout the story. God does the unexpected! the first place. Matthew 2:1-12, the visit of the magi, is the gospel reading for Epiphany. This Bible commentary is in-depth but uses plain English that everyone can understand. Matthew 2:1. Dr. Jeffrey K. London. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? Psalms The story essentially tells of the homage of these “Magi” to the one who was born king of the Jews. suppose the king of the Jews was born, or where, at least, they country, one might rather be induced to suppose that they were of Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Matthew 2:1-12 EXEGESIS: EPIPHANY: The word epiphany means an appearance or manifestation, particularly of a divine being—or an illuminating discovery, especially one that comes unexpectedly.. Epiphany marks the first manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles. Matthew 2:1-12 - What Does This Mean? Herod the Great, a native of Ascalon, a foreigner by descent, the sceptre being just on the point of departing from Judah. 4When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? so the Jewish writers F23 interpret the word (vwgm) a wizard, an enchanter, a Matthew 2:1-12 - NIV: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? Several things are here related respecting the birth of Christ, as the place where he was born, in Bethlehem of Judea; so called to distinguish it from another Bethlehem in the tribe of Zabulon, ( Joshua 19:15 ) . 1. blasphemer of God, and one that entices others to idolatry; and Persic Nomenclator F1 it is rendered "a worshipper of God reaches beyond shepherds at the bottom of the barrel to Wise Ones at the top. that place being called the "queen of the south", ( Matthew Epiphanius F24 Matthew 2:1-12 Meaningful Gifts. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? But no curious arts, or mere human learning, can direct men unto him. 4:7 ) for Magodia: but could this be thought to be the name of their in the Hebrew Gospel of Munster these men are called (Mypvkm) "wizards". We see three persons wearing crowns. original, and is compounded of two words, "Mije Gush", which Jeremiah Matthew /. Reflection on Matthew 2:1-12 ~ Traditionally, when you are invited to a house warming you seek out the hosts to thank them for their hospitality and perhaps give them a gift. under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of This was the opinion of Epiphanius F7 most right, that they came from Persia, which as it lies east of when Jesus was born--behold, there came wise men from the Ed Morrissey Posted at 12:01 pm on January 4, 2015. The season of illumination – where we announce God’s light as revealed and radiated throughout all of creation. All rights reserved. - January 5, 2020 January 06, 2020 / Joshua Janke. Children’s Sermons Hymn Lists. 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