This has something to do with the discussion I had with a friend of mine, her insisting on the three kings. Please if u must, back up your answers with Bible passages or any relevant material that you have.
2007-12-26 19:17:43 · 16 answers · asked by Reese 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
We only assume that there were three wise men because of the three gifts that were given: gold, incense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). However, the Bible does not say there were three wise men. There could have been many more. Tradition does seem to say that there were three wise men. There is a legend that their names were Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar – but since the Bible does not say, we have no way of knowing whether the tradition is accurate
2007-12-26 19:45:14 · answer #1 · answered by black pharoahs of egypt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible tells us that the magi brought three gifts--gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Hence, some people think that if there were three gifts there must have been three magi. But the Bible doesn't actually tell us the number.
The magi didn't show up the exact day of His birth but sometime later. Scripture tells us they came to Him in the house, not the manger. Joseph must have secured better lodgings after the first night in the manger.
Matthew 2:11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
2007-12-27 03:30:46 · answer #2 · answered by Northstar 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Magi, also referred to as the Three Wise Men, The three Kings or Kings from the East, are thought to have been Persian Medians or perhaps Iranian Zoroastrian Priests whose order was well versed in Astrology and followed a star (Star of the King, or Star of Bethlehem). The Gospel of Matthew states that they traveled from the East, but none of the Gospels declare how many Magi were present nor how many gifts were given; we are just told about the three highly symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (Gold representing Jesus' Kingship, Frankincense His role as Priest or link between man and G#d, and Myrrh foreshadowing His future death and sacrifice that would redeem mankind). From the three gifts mentioned we inherit the belief in Three Magi, whose names have since the 8th century traditionally been Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.
2007-12-27 03:39:50 · answer #3 · answered by Derek M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The number of Magi is not known for sure. It is widely believed that it was 3 because of the 3 gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
The Magi never actually visited the manger as is widely believed. It was much later that they arrived, in fact it was up to 2 years later. That is why the soldiers were to murder every male child under the age of 2.
2007-12-27 03:27:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tradition says there were three Magi, kings or wise men from the East. This is quoted in Mathew 2:1-12 who describes the events leading up to Jesus' birth and early life.
Some writers claim they were Zoroastrians from Persia, others say they were Jews. But generally the reference is to three of them, Balthazar, Caspar, and Melchior. The number is not confirmed as exact, but it is deduced from the number of gifts, frankincense, myrrh, and gold. Their names are not mentioned in the Bible.
2007-12-27 03:35:39 · answer #5 · answered by Alma Lou A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
None. The magi visited after the family had moved to a house. The exact number of magi is not known, only the gifts they brought.
2007-12-27 12:09:55 · answer #6 · answered by Tim A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do not know the particular verses, but it is just a generally accepted fact that there were three because there were three different gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh). There is the possibility that there were more than three kings, and those other king(s) brought a gift containing gold, frankincense, or myrrh.
2007-12-27 03:21:42 · answer #7 · answered by Pretty birds ♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just click the search link below it will show you dozens of sites on how Jesus was visited by the three kings. Are you religious? Because I am not and I know the answer. If your religious read your bible.
2007-12-27 03:22:10 · answer #8 · answered by American 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
3 read matthew 2vs11 .The number is based on the gifts given as each gave gifts
2007-12-27 03:28:25 · answer #9 · answered by Be still 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the three magis are the three wise men from the East who had first seen and followed our Saviour's star to Betlehem.
They brought with them special and precious gifts: myrrh, incense and gold.
I hoped that helps.
you can look it up in Matthew.
2007-12-27 03:22:20 · answer #10 · answered by maej 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋