Spanish Bible translations refer to these men as “magicians” and “wise men” (Mt 2:1-12). Popular tradition not only recognizes them as magicians, but also as Kings, a title Tertullian added in the early third century. Although the gospel does not mention their number, there is talk of three wise men called: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, data that appeared in a book called the Gospel of Armenian Childhood (600 AD).
Matthew only records this story and uses the word magoi, a word of Babylonian origin, which does not have the modern connotation of someone performing visual tricks to entertain audiences. On the contrary, this word identified influential people considered wise, who intervened with the authorities as advisers, teachers, priests, doctors, seers, dream interpreters, and even sorcerers.
The evangelist makes it clear that these magicians came from the east. This is a clear allusion to Babylon or Persia (corroborated by Clement of Alexandria). That means that these men made a monumental journey for that time of about 1600 km.
Mateo understands that it is a mysterious visit that he does not try to explain in detail, but that leaves no doubt that it was guided by God. Some commentators claim that the Magi from the East were monotheists who, in some way, could have been influenced by the sacred writings of the Jews. We must consider that the term wizards It already appears in court where Daniel had enormous influence (Dn 1:20; 2:2, 10, 20; 4:7) and was even personally recognized as the “chief of the magicians” (Dn 4:9).
These wise men were guided by a visible star that took them to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem and the very place “where the child was” (Mt 2:2, 9). It has been the subject of much discussion. Some think that it is the visible manifestation of a particular star, a comet, or simply a visible supernatural phenomenon.
We are not told how the magi could relate this stellar event to the birth of the Jewish Messiah-King, but it could be an event that was accompanied by an understanding of Old Testament prophetic revelation. The truth is that they received greater clarity from the Jewish chief priests and scribes, who affirmed from the Scriptures that Bethlehem was the place “where the Christ was to be born” (Mt 2:4b).
The correct attitude of magicians towards It is obvious. they came to adore him (Mt 2:2) and that was what they did in a visible way when they entered the place where the child was (Mt 2:11). The gifts of “gold, frankincense, and myrrh” are really expensive. But, beyond their value, some have pointed out that these gifts were fit for a king and have suggested a spiritual meaning to each of them. These men who came from afar also represent the universality of the reign of the Messiah who had been born, and they offered Jesus the adoration and honor that the same Jewish authorities and religious people denied him.