The word “magi” is of Persian origin, and refers to a class of men who were priests-scientists-philosophers rolled into one. Different ancient societies used different names but all had some intellectual class which sought knowledge and truth, even though much of what they possessed was corrupted by sin and error. Nonetheless, through the means to which they were accustomed, such as reading “signs” in nature, God drew them to true knowledge, in this case, the knowledge of Himself and of the Christ. According to tradition, their names were Balthasar (from Arabia), Melchior (from Persia), and Caspar (from India).