Names of the Magi

If you are like most people of Western Christian teachings, you know with absolute certainty the following things about the Magi, the foreigners who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus on his birth.  They were Three Wise Men or Kings:

• Melchior, a Persian scholar, King or Persia
• Casper (or Gaspar), King of India
• Balthazar, a Babylonian scholar, King of Arabia.
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We have seen the Three Wise Men in nativity scenes; we have heard Christmas songs referring to them; they have been canonized; you can even find their tombs if you are so inclined.

There is a problem with all of this.  Other than the fact that foreigners brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus, none of the other stuff is in the Bible.  None, nana, zilch. 

Some examples:

1. Syrian Christians name the Magi; Larvandad, Gushnasaph, and Hormisdas. 
2. Ethiopian Christians name the Magi; Hor, Karsudan, and Basanater.
3. Armenian Christians name the Magi; Kagpha, Badadakharida, and Badadilma.
4. Chinese Christians believe the Magi come from China.
5. The number of three is not certain as no number is mentioned in the Bible.  In fact, the Eastern Christian Syriac church often number the Magi at 12.
6. There is no reference as to where the Magi came from, other than they came “from the East”.

Now, the Bible says that the Magi came from the East, brought gifts to the baby Jesus, and worshiped him.  That is there.  The other stuff – not so much.

Why did the other stories come into being?  Where did they come from?  Has something been lost?  Is it important?  If it is not important, why isn’t it?

In any case, it is NOT in the Bible!