The Epiphany in Matthew 2

The story of the (three?) magi (wise men? kings?) in Matthew 2.1-11 has gripped the popular imagination-but som also question whether the story has coherence and credibility.
What was the actual context in which the story is set? Does it ring true? And how does it fit with the gospel of Matthew as it unfolds?
Join Ian and James as they explore these questions.
Here is the link to the excellent argument that Joseph has two homes, with contemporary parallels included: jimmyakin.com/...
Full commentary in text can be found at www.psephizo.com
Revd James Blandford-Baker is vicar of Histon and Impington, two villages just north of Cambridge. Revd Dr Ian Paul is Associate Minister of St Nic's, Nottingham, and writes the widely-read blog www.psephizo.com. Full written commentary behind the discussion can be found on the blog each week.

[@arthur75327]

Thank you for a great, inspiring summary. I particularly like your discussion on the diplomatic aspect of the Magi visiting thr King of the Jews.

[@simoncordingley3122]

Thank you both again. As for the star, for what it’s worth, the ESV study notes say that verse 9 implies it was unlikely to be a conjunction of planets (or a comet) because of the description of it rising before them and coming to rest over where Jesus lay. The notes go on to say it was more likely a guiding angel or a specially created phenomenon.
Interestingly, the notes also say the wise men would most likely have travelled with a sizeable retinue of attendants and guards. Hence their being of interest to Herod.

[@ventoux13]

Thanks for another interesting analysis. Regarding the “Star of Bethlehem” I recommend a 1995 paper by Sir Colin Humphreys (easily found via Google) which concludes that the astronomical event was likely the tailed comet of 5 BC recorded by the Chinese. This followed the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn of 7 BC to which you referred in the video, and the massing of three planets of 6 BC (Jupiter and Saturn were joined by Mars), both in the constellation Pisces which was associated with Israel. The comet was visible for 70 days, which would have given the magi time to prepare for and then make the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. It is also consistent with Herod’s concern as to when all these signs began - the two year period providing a margin that would encompass the earlier signs.

[@williamlowries4213]

Thanks v much for this. I'm preaching on this on Sunday - I feel worship is the focus the Lord is leading me too. There are some (no doubt unanswerable) questions I always have on this chapter:
- Why didn't God have the star appear a bit earlier, so bypassing Herod and the genocide?
- Why didn't Herod send a couple of soldiers with the magi - just for protection haha?
- Why were the chief priests so indifferent? Did they just dismiss this news of (poss) Messiah because it came from pagan sources?

[@Psephizo]

Thanks William. I am not sure why the star appearing earlier would have by-passed Herod? I think we do need to read the dynamics in the context of quite high-level diplomatic relations...

[@omegaminus1]

Thank you for this excellent summary. I am intrigued by the Messianic prophesies mentioned here - but also of one which never seems to be mentioned - Daniel 9:25f, which although may refer to the Maccabean revolt, I understand that around the time of Jesus was taken to the indicate the imminent arrival of the Messiah. Do you have a view on this?