The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 2:1-10
The star. Luke mentions the occurrence of a grand celestial illumination celebrating the nativity of Jesus, which was witnessed by Jewish shepherds, Matthew here records another heavenly sign, discerned by Gentile scientists. Such phenomena—severally seen by Jew and Gentile, by peasants and by scholars, by persons in humble station and by those of wealth and standing—authenticated this, viz. that the great event so celebrated concerns all sorts and conditions of men. We have here especially... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 2:1
The Wise Men from the East. These Magi come to give their homage to Christ. Their own personal characters and circumstances enhance the value of their gifts. I. HOMAGE FROM THE GENTILES . It is singular that St. Matthew, and not St. Luke the evangelist of the Gentiles, gives us this narrative of Gentile faith and adoration. Thus we see that all parties among Christ's true disciples recognized the great fact that the gospel was for the whole world. At the very commencement of... read more