Epiphany · The Epiphany of Our Lord · Year B
Matthew 2:1-12
The Visit of the Magi
January 6, 2027
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 reading the magi and Herod as opposite responses to God showing up.
Matthew 2:1-12 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on expecting the unexpected and the diversity of those who come to worship.
Matthew 2 - The Visit of the Wise Men Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse evangelical exposition of the whole chapter.
Matthew 2:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentators (Barnes, Gill, Ellicott, Meyer) on the arrival of the magi.
Matthew 2 Commentary Precept Austin
Deep study-notes commentary gathering multiple conservative scholars verse by verse.
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic reflection and teaching activities on the magi and the meaning of their gifts.
Background & Word Study
Matthew (Enter the Bible) Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the authorship, audience, and structure of Matthew's Gospel.
Overview: Matthew 1-13 BibleProject
Animated overview of the literary design and themes of Matthew's opening chapters.
Matthew 2:1 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word-by-word interlinear with parsing and Strong's numbers for the passage.
Myth and history in the Epiphany of Matthew 2 Psephizo · Ian Paul
Ian Paul's Anglican study weighing the historical questions behind Matthew's magi account.
The Church Fathers
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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