The Magi

(Matt. 2:1) — learned men, possessed of extensive knowledge of the hidden powers of nature, who occupied themselves with the observation of the heavenly bodies and the like. They were chiefly Persians, but were also found in Arabia and other countries of the East, such as, for example, the Egyptian magicians mentioned in the days of Joseph and Moses (Gen. 41:8; Exod. 7:11), Balaam among the Midianites (Num. 22:23 [as given]), the Persian magi and wise men mentioned in Daniel (Dan. 2:4), and finally the magi, or wise men, who, on account of the extraordinary star observed by them in the East, made the journey to Bethlehem to worship the divine Infant Savior (Matt. 2:1, 2), since ancient prophecies had led the magi to expect the birth of the Savior of the world in the East. Science and philosophy attain their true, exalted significance and proper power only when they bow obediently and humbly at the feet of Jesus.

However, from ancient times the words “magi,” “sorcerers,” or “wise men” were also taken in a bad sense, and connected with them were notions of the interpretation of dreams, sorcery, divination, and the like. Such were the Egyptian magicians, who somewhat imitated the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron, and who are mentioned in the days of Joseph and Moses (Gen. 41:8; Exod. 7:11). Against sorcery, Holy Scripture speaks in many places, and it is strictly forbidden both in the Old and in the New Testament (Lev. 19:26, 31; 20:6, 27; 1 Sam. 28:3, 4–14; Acts 8:9–11; 13:6–12; 19:13–16).