5 Things You Never Knew About The Three Wise Men

The Three Wise Men Were Diplomats 

Part of Longenecker’s exploration in Mystery of the Magi revolves around linking the events of the Bible to the accepted historical reality. That means accepting the fact that the language of the Bible and the relationship to King Herod shows that their trip to meet the Prince of Peace was a diplomatic call of sorts.

The use of the phrase “paying homage” indicates that, as Longenecker puts it, they were on “a diplomatic courtesy call from the court of Aretas to the court of Herod, but they were familiar with the prophecies, so there was also a religious dimension to their homage.” Being able to root their visit to a diplomatic as well as religious mission helps establish it as a historical fact instead of fable.

Tags: Dwight Longenecker, Mystery of the Magi