Matthew 2 shows us a Persian connection to the Christmas story.
Recently I was led down to researching the data concerning Thomas, or rather Judas Thomas, as he was known from extra Biblical texts I found, then I came across some references to the Apostle Matthew, surprisingly sent to Persia to be amongst the peoples near the Indian border of that time. It then seemed quite logical since Matthew is the only Gospel to record the trek of the wise men. Where would he have got the story from? It also begs more research to the effects of that trek in that the wise men were made aware of Old Testament texts regarding the Messiah especially where He would be born.
It makes you wonder how the Persians would have responded to what the Wise Men experienced, regarding the Star, regarding the Scriptures of the Scribes in Jerusalem. Then the actual meeting in Bethlehem. If God invited them to be part of this revealing, surely on their trip back, a deliverance after the apparition of an angel warning them of Herod’s intentions, what more God caused them to understand when they arrived back. We know from texts around the turn of 100AD and beyond that Eddessa had become a spiritual crossroads between the Middle East and what God was doing right over to India, through the Apostle Thomas.
From what I gather from research the Persians treated well the Jews in Captivity, and even went onto be more conversant with Jewish history, as we see in the book of Esther, book of Daniel and beyond. Unlike conquerors who came before, like Assyria, and Babylon, their arrogance and lack of mercy was visited upon them, these Kingdoms declining suddenly and Persia conquering their identity and history. Here is an entry I got from AI research:
The treatment of Jews in Persia appears to have been complex and varied over time. During the Persian period following the Babylonian exile of 587 BCE, Jews were generally loyal to Persia1. However, there were instances of conflict and violence. One article mentions that during the time of King Ahasuerus, there was a plot by a Persian official named Haman to exterminate the Jews, though this was ultimately thwarted 2. In a later period, under Sasanian rule, life for Jews was described as passing quietly for about 30 years, with the exception of a deportation of Armenian Jews under Shapur II3. There’s also evidence of some integration, as King Shapur II is said to have engaged in discussions with Jewish sages about scriptural interpretations of burial practices 3. Additionally, archaeological findings from Elephantine in Egypt suggest that Jewish mercenaries and their families lived as a well-established and respected class of citizen under Persian rule in Egypt for at least 200 years4. It’s important to note that the treatment of Jews likely varied depending on the specific time period and ruler within the broader Persian era. (Logos Bible Software, copyright).
Also here is a timeline for the Jews in Persia:
Cyrus makes a proclamation2 Chron 36:22–23; Ezra 1:1–4
Haman plans to destroy the JewsEsther 3:5–15
The Jews Kill the 10 Sons of HamanEsther 8:1–10:3
Xerxes issues a decree on behalf of the JewsEsther 8:7–14
The Jews kill their enemiesEsther 9:1–19
Purim is establishedEsther 9:20–32
Mordecai is promotedEsther 10:1–3
Alexander the Great Defeats Darius1 Macc 1:1
Alexander the Great becomes king of the Medes and Persians1 Macc 1:1
Antiochus Epiphanes travels to Persia1 Macc 3:31–37
Antiochus Epiphanes becomes sick1 Macc 6:5–13; 2 Macc 9:5–10
Antiochus IV Epiphanes Vows to Free Jerusalem2 Macc 9:11–27
Antiochus Epiphanes appoints Philip as regent1 Macc 6:14–15
Antiochus Epiphanes dies1 Macc 6:16; 2 Macc 9:28
Timeline
Gold Disk from Amlash, Persiafirst millennium BC
Ashurbanipal of Assyria Defeats Persiacirca 640 BC
Reign of Cambyses I of Persiacirca 600 – 559 BC
Achaemenid Dynasty in Persia559 – 330 BC
There seems to be a trajectory in that through Cyrus and kings from that time, who were favourable to the return of the Captives it strikes me that God visited the nation with favour and with the Gospel. Whilst data is scarce we have indications of the influence of both wise men and Matthew were expressions of God’s favour upon Persia. Even the angels to the shepherds in Luke’s Gospel echo this divine sentiment in their proclamation; “goodwill to all men.”
It means therefore whilst Christmas is a beautiful history it reminds us that whilst we sow favour to those God favours, we gain access to His Gospel truths and benefits. If we are arrogant we find ourselves the side of judgment. The Christmas story being the inclusion of those God selected for specific roles and meeting points in Jesus’ coming. Some like Herod are bypassed, and we see with the Wise Men, their interaction with him. The angel warning them of his intentions. The fact is when we draw together the many threads, not just traditionally going along the classic interpretation that is broadcast every year, we see a part of the story in a totally new light.
It is apparent from all what we have discussed here, is that Christmas is a time where we decide where we stand. We can follow as we have always done, that is follow the old traditions of this story, or we can delve deeper in our spiritual walk to find hidden jewels, that lead us to glimpse the beautiful ways of God, that make the natural lights glow brighter than Christmas lights, make the flavour of God’s dealings, richer than the turkey and trimmings. It is not “what we always do” at this time of year, rather it is interacting in a fresh and innovative way. Let us journey together discovering new connections that all lead to the Heavenly Abode before us.
Whilst the world is in turmoil and where the news of wars, impending attack, threats, disease, anguish, the Christmas story invites us into the realm of heaven and see what God has prepared for those who care to live for Him. Our connection is not merely surface or superficial, there are threads that lead us into an eternity that has many levels of richness and purpose. Let us receive them together.
Maranatha.
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