Forging ahead like the Magi

Two questions can hardly be evaded: first, What was the nature of this star?; secondly, How was it that the magi connected it with the birth of the king of the Jews?

William Hendriksen; Simon J. Kistemaker

But the magi remind us that God seeks sinners.

Daniel M. Doriani; Philip Graham Ryken; Richard D. Phillips

As the Magi seek a Redeemer, so Herod fears a successor.

Saint Thomas Aquinas

The Magi exalted from afar; the scribes murmured near at hand. The prophet showed his message, and Herod his wrath. The scribes showed their doctrine, the Magi showed their offerings. It is a marvel that to Him, the babe, they of His own house hasted with their swords, and they that were strangers with their offerings.

Saint Ephrem the Syrian

The magi had much less knowledge of the true God than did the Jewish leaders, but what they knew of Him they believed and followed.

John F. MacArthur

That the Magi seek one “born King of the Jews” may further underline the challenge to Herod, who was widely known to have achieved rule by warfare and politics, not by birth (Overman 1996: 43)

Craig Keener