Epiphany Season · Year C
Epiphany of the Lord
Some years Epiphany is transferred to the Sunday falling between January 2nd and 8th · January 6, 2028
Overview & Insights
“We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2)
Matthew contrasts Jesus’ identity as the Messiah—the true King who enacts Israel’s return from exile—with Rome’s client-king, Herod, affirming Jesus’ identity through Old Testament testimony, God’s protection, and worship of Jesus by the Gentile magi.
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Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 2:1-12 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on how the Magi's journey reframes Epiphany as revelation reaching outward to the nations.
Matthew 2:1-12 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on Herod's fear set against the Magi's joyful worship of the infant king.
Matthew 2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse exposition of the Magi's visit and Herod's murderous response.
Matthew 2:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentary on the star's rising and the Magi's search for the newborn king.
Matthew 2 - Barnes' Notes StudyLight
Barnes' Notes verse by verse on the Magi's journey and Herod's deceit.
Matthew 2 Commentary Precept Austin
Deep verse by verse study notes gathering many conservative scholars on the star and the Magi's worship.
The Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre's Catholic exegesis of the Magi as the first Gentiles to worship Israel's king.
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Agape Bible Study
Catholic study of the full Sunday readings connecting Isaiah's light to the star the Magi followed.
Background & Word Study
Matthew 2:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing for magi, star, and homage.
Matthew 1-13 Overview BibleProject
Animated literary overview of Matthew's opening chapters, tracing how the Gentile Magi foreshadow the gospel's reach.
Enter the Bible: Matthew Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on Matthew's structure and Jewish-Gentile audience.
The Church Fathers
Worship & Prayers
Questions preachers ask
Why is the visit of the Magi the feast of Epiphany?
Gentile wise men follow the star to Bethlehem and worship the child with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the first sign that the Savior is manifest to all nations.
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