Melchior the Magi: Biography, Legends, and the Legacy of the King Who Brought Gold to Jesus
Melchior was supposed to be one of the Biblical Magi who visited the infant Jesus after his birth. The Magi are only mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, so there is some doubt that they actually visited Jesus. Or, they may have visited when Jesus was two years old. Melchior was the oldest member of the Magi. Melchior was the King of Persia and brought the gift of gold to Jesus. Gold is a gift for a king. He is regarded as a saint. Do you believe the three wise men visited Jesus?
Melchior Biography
Actually, the Gospels in the New Testament do not give the names of the Magi, or even their number. However, their traditional names are written in a Greek manuscript from the year 500. That manuscript has been translated into Latin and English. It is widely accepted as the source of the names of the three Magi.
Melchior was described by Bede in the 8th century in the chronicle Excerpta Latina Barbarica as being “an old man, with white hair and long beard.” That is why he is now considered the oldest. Melchior is also thought to be the King of Persia. He has been said to have brought the infant Jesus the gift of gold, the gift for a king.
The Magi followed the Star of Bethlehem, which some argue may have been a comet or a supernova. First, the Magi are said to have travelled to the palace of Herod the Great, who then asked them to find the Child Jesus and report back to him. It was Herod’s intention to kill the infant. Upon arriving at the house, the Magi worshipped him and opened their gifts, with Melchior giving the gift of gold to signify Jesus’ kingship. According to a medieval saint’s calendar, following his return to Persia, Melchior met the other Magi again in 54 in Armenia to celebrate Christmas, before he died at the age of 116 on January 1, 55.
We do not know much else about Melchoir’s life. For instance, we do not know where he was born, nor do we know about his childhood. We also do not know about his spouse or children, though he certainly had some. As King of Persia, he would need heirs.
Melchior Veneration
Melchior is thought to be buried in the Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral, following his remains being moved from Constantinople by Eustorgius in Milan in 314. In 1164, Holy Roman Emperor Fredrick Barbarossa moved them to Cologne. Melchior is commemorated on the Feast of Epiphany along with the other members of the Magi. He is also commemorated in Catholicism on his feast day, 6 January (which is usually the Epiphany or near to it).
It is interesting to note that Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, is commonly celebrated as the last of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The Magi, including Melchior, are celebrated with special pastries in many countries, often with a toy Baby Jesus hidden inside. Parents also leave a bowl of water and some grass or hay for the Magi’s camels. Children often wake up to gifts in their shoes to honor the Magi’s gifts to the infant Jesus.
Conclusion
The Magi are said to have followed the Star of Bethlehem, a celestial phenomenon mentioned in the Gospel According to Matthew as leading “wise men from the East” to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. The star was supposed to be stationary over the manger. Natural events have been posited to explain the star and its brightness. Melchior lived to be an old man and was already aged when he visited Jesus. His age makes him unique among the Magi.
