Jesus Age During Magi Visit
The visit of the Magi to Jesus is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12, but the exact timing of this event is not specified. According to Matthew's account, the Magi came to Jerusalem and inquired about the birthplace of the "king of the Jews" [2].
Tradition and interpretation vary on the timing of the Magi's visit relative to Jesus' birth. The Catholic tradition, as represented by Aquinas, suggests that the Magi visited Jesus after his presentation in the Temple, which occurred 40 days after birth [3]. This interpretation implies that Jesus was likely between 40 days to 2 years old when the Magi visited, as Herod ordered the slaughter of boys up to 2 years old based on the information given by the Magi (Matthew 2:16).
The age range of Jesus during the Magi's visit is further supported by patristic sources. The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy, for example, describes the Magi's visit without specifying Jesus' age but implies it was after his birth and before his flight to Egypt [5]. Tertullian also references the Magi's visit, suggesting it occurred after Jesus' birth, though he doesn't specify the exact timing [4].
Some traditions have inferred that Jesus was likely a toddler or young child when the Magi visited, rather than an infant. The fact that Herod ordered the slaughter of boys "two years old and under" (Matthew 2:16) suggests that the Magi's information indicated a range of possible ages, potentially up to 2 years.
Luke's Gospel provides a different timeline for Jesus' early life, noting that Jesus was "about thirty years old" when he began his ministry (Luke 3:23) [1]. However, this does not directly inform the timing of the Magi's visit.
The varying interpretations highlight the uncertainty surrounding the exact timing and Jesus' age during the Magi's visit. While some traditions infer Jesus was an infant, others suggest he may have been older, potentially up to 2 years old [2, 5].
The historical and biblical context suggests that the visit of the Magi was an early event in Jesus' life, one that was significant for his recognition as the "king of the Jews" [2]. The different traditions and interpretations surrounding this event underscore the complexity of reconstructing a precise timeline for Jesus' early life.
The patristic and medieval interpretations, such as those by Aquinas, demonstrate the ongoing interest in understanding the events surrounding Jesus' birth and early life [3].
Sources
- Luke “Luke 3:23 (BSB) — Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 2 (introduction): VISIT OF THE MAGI TO JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM. (Mat 2:1-12) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea--so called to distinguish it from another Bethlehem in the tribe of Zebulun, near the Sea of Galilee (Jos 19:15); called also Beth-lehem-judah, as being in that tribe (Jdg 17:7); and Ephrath (Gen 35:16); and combining both, Beth-lehem Ephratah (Mic 5:2). It lay about six miles southwest of Jerusalem. But how came Joseph and Mary to remove thither from Nazareth, the place of their residence? Not of their own accord, and certainly not wi”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part (Tertia Pars), Of the Manifestation of the Newly Born Christ, Art. 6: Article: Whether Christ's birth was made known in a becoming order? I answer that, Christ's birth was first made known to the shepherds on the very day that He was born. For, as it is written (Lk. 2:8,15,16): "There were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night-watches over their flock . . . And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven they [Vulg.: 'the shepherds'] said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem . . . and they came with haste”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 4: Tertullian IV, Minucius Felix, Commodian, Origen — CHAP. LX. (part 1): To the Greeks, then, I have to say that the Magi, being on familiar terms with evil spirits, and invoking them for such purposes as their knowledge and wishes extend to, bring about such results only as do not appear to exceed the superhuman power and strength of the evil spirits, and of the spells which invoke them, to accomplish; but should some greater manifestation of divinity be made, then the powers of the evil spirits are overthrown, being unable to resist the light of divinity. It is probable, therefore, ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 8: Twelve Patriarchs, Excerpts, Epistles, Apocrypha, Decretals — CHAP. 16.--And when the second year was past, [9] Magi came from the east to Jerusalem, bringing great gifts. And they made strict inquiry of the Jews, saying: Where is the king who has been born to y: 376 rule my people Israel. [1] Then King Herod summoned the magi to him, and strictly inquired of them when the star appeared to them. Then, sending them to Bethlehem, he said: Go and make strict inquiry about the child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. And while the mag”