Why were priests of Zoroaster present at the Nativity?

Question

Most people don't realize this, but the Magi that came to visit Jesus were actually priests of an ancient Persian religion called Zoroastrianism. This religion taught monotheism, and was the product of a man named Zoroaster, who preached "revealed truth" about there being one God. Does the presence of Zoroastrian priests at the Nativity add credence to the idea that Zoroastrianism was just as inspired by God as Judaism? Did the Magi believe Jesus was the Zoroastrian Messiah? Was there even a Zoroastrian Messiah?

The authors of the Gospel were sending a very subtle but powerful message by placing Zoroastrian priests along with the holy family as Jesus was born. I think this has been one of the most overlooked parts of the whole New Testament.

Any ideas on what it all means?

Answer 1

What evidence do you have that the Magi were Zoroastrians? At that time there was a very sizeable Jewish population in the region that is now Iraq; these Magi were probably local converts to Judaism.