Angelic appearances in Matthew's infancy narratives

Abstract

Angelic appearances function prominently in the birth narratives of Matthew. An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph (Mt. 1:20; 2:12, 13, 19 and 22). Besides these explicit references to the angel, the first Gospel also refers to the guidance by an "unusual" star (Mt. 2:1-2 and 9-10). The appearance of the angel of the Lord to Joseph is investigated within the context of such appearances in New Testament times. Furthermore, the appearance of the star is investigated in the light of the views of stars in that period of time. The goal is to establish the nature of these appearances and the relation between them.