Revelation of the Magi: The Lost Tale of the Wise Men's Journey to Bethlehem

Brent Landau

Nov 2010 · Harper Collins

About this ebook

“A first-ever English translation and detailed analysis of [an] . . . eighth-century text uncovers a far more substantial version of the wise men story.” —USA Today

Theologian Brent Landau presents the ancient account of Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, the three “wise men” who journeyed to Bethlehem to greet the birth of Jesus. The Revelation of the Magi offers the first-ever English translation of an ancient Syriac manuscript written in the second to third century after the birth of Christ and safeguarded for generations in the Vatican Library. Following in the footsteps of Elaine Pagels and her exploration of the Gnostic Gospels, including the controversial Gospel of Judas, Landau delivers an invaluable source of information to a world interested in learning more about the Nativity and the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

“Astonishing, delightful, and theologically sophisticated.” —Marvin Meyer, Griset Professor of Religious Studies, Chapman University, author of Gospels of Mary

“Landau’s presentation—bright and sharp as a gemstone—emphasizes the unique challenge and radical depth of this ancient text’s theology.” —John Dominic Crossan, author of Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography and The Greatest Prayer

“An epic tale. In a new, lucid translation, Landau offers English readers a chance to hear this remarkable story for the first time.” —Karen L. King, author of the Secret Revelation of John

“Landau is to be congratulated for bringing this important and unexpectedly influential work to light.” Jennifer Knust, author of Unprotected Texts

“Landau shows, with skill and authority, how the “Revelation” contains a valuable message of tolerance that is needed as much today as in the years of its composition.” —Los Angeles Times (online)

Ratings and reviews

The "Revelation of the Magi" is a fascinating look at an early account of the Magi. As a person who has an interest in early Christian writings, I was awed by the story. I encourage anyone who has an interest in the nativity story to read this book. You will come to understand that what we expect and what is common knowledge can be misleading.

Very interesting! But, somewhat cerebral. Sometimes it was over my head and hard to understand.

Story of the Three Wise Men

About the author

Brent Landau received his Th.D. from Harvard University and is an expert in ancient biblical languages and literature. He currently teaches in the Religious Studies Program at the University of Oklahoma and lives with his wife in Norman, Oklahoma.