Who were the Magi we read about in Matthew's Gospel? Were they kings? Did they truly follow a star “from the East,” and where did they actually come from?

In this episode Conor is joined by Fr. Dwight Longenecker—author of The Mystery of the Magi—for a conversation that brings fresh insight to the Epiphany account. Drawing on Matthew's Gospel, historical records, and geographical context, Fr. Dwight separates biblical fact from later traditions, challenging common assumptions and uncovering what the biblical text really tells us about the Magi. This conversation will enrich your understanding of Sacred Scripture and draw you to see the Nativity story with renewed clarity and wonder.

👉 MORE FROM FR. LONGENECKER

Get the Book: The Mystery of the Magi https://dwightlongenecker.com/shop/the-mystery-of-the-magi/
Autobiography: There and Back Again https://dwightlongenecker.com/shop/there-and-back-again-a-somewhat-religious-odyssey/
Blog: www.dwightlongenecker.com

👍 Like, Subscribe, or Follow The Conor Gallagher Show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conorgallaghershow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/conorgallaghershow

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@conorgallaghershow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1qtdMK8FqjAQ3ODlFXCEYt?si=ae4598b16c1d4cde

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conor-gallagher-show/id1789476722

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Trailer
1:06 - Introduction
4:00 - Who Is Fr. Dwight Longenecker?
12:20 - Traditions Mixed in with the Biblical Account of the Magi
16:23 - The Historical Context
20:43 - The Synoptic Problem
29:18 - What Does the Word “Magi” Mean?
43:03 - Where Did We Get the Notion That They Were Kings?
53:51 - Common Trade Routes at the Time of Christ
1:05:24 - Which Route Might the Magi Have Taken?
1:12:18 - Did the Magi Follow a Star from the East?
1:26:00 - Did the Magi Go to Damascus afterwards?
1:46:30 - Luke’s Account: the Shepherds, Nazareth, and Bethlehem
2:20:59 - Parting Thoughts

The Mystery of the Shepherds

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 1 episodes

The AI-powered Podcast Player