7 What, If Anything?
In: The Star of Bethlehem and the MagiSearch for other papers by Peter Barthel in
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Abstract
The fascinating story of the Star of Bethlehem contains certain astronomical details that cannot be pure fiction, regardless of whether or not the evangelist in the Gospel of Matthew intended to write prophecy fulfillment (which is unlikely). The story of the single star—“his star”—moving over the sky and standing still must have certain historical, scientific facts behind it. An explanation in terms of a 6 bce astrological portent related to the regal planet Jupiter (which moves and stands still), as reported by Parthian magi in Antioch around the time of Jesus’ birth, is considered plausible. Furthermore, this view offers an explanation for the absence of prophecy fulfillment terms in Matthew’s account of the star.