[Magi update:
Note that in chapter 29, it becomes necessary for the Magi's experience
to be validated through their contact with an apostolic figure and
through participation in recognizable Christian worship. If the
appended, 3rd person story treats Christ in a different manner than the
original, then is it possible the addition also refers to the Magi with
different terminology? Read full article here]After blogging about a book I try to leave the topic and allow others to do their own exploring without ongoing commentary from me. However the Revelation of the Magi is making quite a splash. Patheos.com invited readers to submit questions, to which Dr. Landau responded on the Patheos blog. Within this exchange Dr. Landau identifies what is considered to be "the most pivotal verse in the entire text" in Revelation of the Magi. Christ says the following to the Magi:
And I am everywhere, because I am a ray of light whose light has shone in this world from the majesty of my Father, who has sent me to fulfill everything that was spoken about me in the entire world and in every land by unspeakable mysteries, and to accomplish the commandment of my glorious Father, who by the prophets preached about me to the contentious house, in the same way as for you, as befits your faith, it was revealed to you about me.
Indeed this is beautiful. I feel we will learn more about this portrayal of Christ as time gives us a chance to contemplate where this fits within ancient Christian literature and discover possible parallels with other texts. Until then we can watch RevMagi's journey unfold as popular culture becomes aware of this ancient narrative:
USA Today article
Radio interview with Brent Landau
Landau writes for Huffington Post
Perhaps Landau will present at the North American Syriac Symposium at Duke University in June? Finally, here is some independent research on the Magi...
Did the Magi wear mullets???