http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi
2007-05-03 16:14:18 · 10 answers · asked by Servette 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The bible never specifically says that there were 3 wise men. It simply says that "wise men" came to see the baby Jesus. Everyone just assumes that it was three because of the 3 gifts that they brought. It could have been anywhere b/t 2 to 200 wise men that night. That information was just left out. No contradiction my friend only personal interpretation.
2007-05-03 16:21:48 · answer #1 · answered by shaolinmantis77 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible doesn't say how many, only 3 gifts. However, they probably traveled in a caravan and had at least a couple hundred people with them.
I've been in the Renaissance Faire for years and Queen Elizabeth I never traveled without an entourage. She had her ladies-in-waiting (who in turn had their ladies in waiting) all of her counselors (and their servants)....People to take care of the horses, the carriages, the food, the clean up, setting up chairs and tents.....It took a large number of people for one important person, so assuming there were 3 Magi, there would have also been all of their servants and counselors, etc. A huge group. So they probably didn't move too fast, which would account for why the scriptures record they came to the house where the young child was not the stable.
2007-05-03 23:29:28 · answer #2 · answered by Jan P 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In many versions of the Bible and especially in older Bibles Astrologers or Magi are used, not wise men. Both are plurals. However, the fact that the Magi were members of the Zoroastrian priestly caste of the Medes and Persians and each Magus annointed the Baby in its initiation into the magi, and, that would take at least three, is direct evidence that it is a truth and not a Myth with a base of truth and they were Magi not just astrologers.
Christians, there is life and Truth outside your Bible.
2007-05-03 23:44:32 · answer #3 · answered by Terry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible doesn't mention how many wise men searched for Jesus, but it mentions 3 types of gifts they brought. Of course, it is true, no contradiction.
2007-05-03 23:19:50 · answer #4 · answered by Joyful Noise 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is any reason to suggest that they are either a myth or a contradiction. The only real difference is whether they were kings or astrologists..(scientists of the day)
2007-05-03 23:21:37 · answer #5 · answered by guppy137 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Reality
2007-05-03 23:18:49 · answer #6 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Bible never states exactly how many wise men there where. People assume there where three because there three gifts to Jesus.
2007-05-03 23:17:49 · answer #7 · answered by saxman232001 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The Bible mentions three "gifts". And they were magi, a.k.a. Zoroastrian priests.
2007-05-03 23:27:33 · answer #8 · answered by The Doctor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing contradictory or mythical about the Magi.
2007-05-03 23:19:37 · answer #9 · answered by Serena 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
more like legend i would think...
2007-05-03 23:19:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋