Episode 38: The [Three] [Wise Men] With Eric Vanden Eykel
Dec 25, 2023
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Dr. Eric Vanden Eykel, an expert in Magi, joins the podcast to dispel common myths about the mysterious wise men who visited baby Jesus. They discuss the enigmatic story of the Magi in the Gospel of Matthew, the Greek word 'Magoi' used to describe them, and their possible function in informing Herod about Jesus's birth. The significance of the magi as an outside confirmation of Jesus's divinity and royal lineage is explored along with the origin and symbolism of the three kings in the Christmas story.
The Magi's presence serves to validate Jesus' royal lineage and confirm his identity as the true king.
The term 'Magi' used in Matthew's Gospel poses challenges in translation and interpretation, and their function in the narrative is debated.
The depiction of the Magi as Gentiles who come to worship Jesus has perpetuated biases and stereotypes, creating a dichotomy between 'good' Gentiles and 'bad' Jews.
Deep dives
The Mysterious Visitors from the East
In the Gospel of Matthew, a short passage describes the arrival of the Magi, also known as the three wise men or kings. These Magi, highly trained religious professionals from the East, come to pay homage to the newly born king of the Judeans. Despite the lack of specific details in Matthew's account, the story has captivated many with its hints of mystery, intrigue, and divine significance. The Magi's presence serves to validate Jesus' royal lineage and confirms his identity as the true king. Their arrival from the East represents a global recognition of Jesus' importance and his role as a figure of profound significance.
Translating the Magi
The term 'Magi' used in Matthew's Gospel poses challenges in translation and interpretation. Originating from the Greek 'Magoi', this term can be translated as 'wise men', 'astrologers', or 'magicians'. However, the true meaning and connotations of the term remain elusive. While ancient literature associates Magi with wisdom, religious roles, and advisory positions, their specific function in Matthew's narrative has sparked debate. Rather than validating the divinity of Jesus, the Magi's presence emphasizes Jesus' royal lineage, confirming him as the rightful king of the Judeans. The term 'king of the Judeans' captures the ethno-political aspect of the Magi's role in Matthew's story.
The Emergence of Three Kings
The notion of the three kings or wise men can be traced back to early retellings of the Magi's visit. While Matthew's account describes them simply as a group arriving from the East, later interpretations depict them as individuals converging from different places. This idea of multiple rulers or important figures coming together to pay tribute to the true king gains popularity. The connection between stars and rulers, explored in ancient literature and the Hebrew Bible, further influences the development of the story. Despite the ambiguity surrounding the Magi, their depiction as three kings has become a prominent and enduring element of the narrative.
Interpreting the Magi as Gentiles
One interesting interpretation that has persisted is the depiction of the Magi as Gentiles who come to worship Jesus. This interpretation creates a dichotomy between the "good" Gentiles and the "bad" Jews. Even in a children's book, this anti-Jewish rhetoric is present, with the Magi being portrayed in a positive light while Herod and his advisors are depicted negatively. This persistent theme showcases how the story of the Magi has been used to perpetuate certain biases and stereotypes.
Expanding the Story of the Magi
Throughout history, various apocryphal texts and modern adaptations have expanded on the story of the Magi, adding new details and interpretations. For example, in the book "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff", the Magi are portrayed as travelers seeking answers about Jesus' identity. Each Magi represents a different religious tradition, further exploring the concept of what drew them to Jesus. These imaginative retellings demonstrate how people have sought to explore and find additional meaning in the story of the Magi, even if it means expanding upon the original narrative.
Magi- they're the gift that keeps on giving! Last week we talked about a star, this week we're unpacking the mysteries of the fellas who followed that star. We've all seen them represented in nativity scenes: three men in elaborate dress, each bearing a different gift for the infant king, but is any of that actually biblical? What do we actually know about the Magi? What role did they play in the story?
Fortunately, we have Dr. Eric Vanden Eykel with us to unpack it all. He literally wrote the book on the subject. His book The Magi: Who They Were, How They’ve Been Remembered, and Why They Still Fascinate delves deep into these enigmatic easterners. He'll help us dispel some common myths, and get a deeper understanding of Jesus' most baffling visitors.
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