upgraded May 6, 2008
Magi: originally a religious caste among the Persians. Their devotion to astrology, divination, and the interpretation of dreams led to an extension in the meaning of the word, and by the first century the terms "magi" and "Chaldaean" were applied generally to fortune tellers and the exponents of the esoteric religious cults throughout the Mediterranean world. Magus is, for example, the epithet of the charlatan Simon of Acts 8:9. The term is translated "sorcerer" in Acts 13:6,8. "The wise men from the east" of the Nativity story (Matthew 2) are often referred to as "the Magi." - The New Compact Bible Dictionary, Zondervan
The magi came from the east after the time of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 2:1 (NIV) After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
The magi were Chaldaeans, Babylonians or Persians who studied the stars and knew that a Great King of the Jews was to be born. The magi were able to foretell events based on the alignment of the stars. The tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) was from the same area of Mesopotamia as the magi came from, and was a tower to the stars. There was a sign of the Zodiac at the top of the Tower of Babel. Approximately 2,200 years after the Tower of Babel, the magi were still involved in studying the stars.
Today, the Muslims from the same area of Mesopotamia, Persia (Iran) and Babylon (Iraq) are again anticipating a messiah. He is the Mahdi.
In internet research for the Mahdi, you will find many similarities in the prophecies concerning the Mahdi, and the prophecies concerning the Antichrist:
1. The emergence of the Mahdi is expected within the next two years. - The emergence of the Antichrist is imminent.
2. The Mahdi is supposed to bring peace. - The Antichrist will claim to bring peace.
3. The Mahdi will be Islamic. - The Antichrist will be Islamic.
4. The Mahdi will come at a time of Great Tribulation. - The Antichrist will come at a time of Great Tribulation.
5. The Mahdi will rule for seven years.- The Antichrist will come to power and rule within a seven year period.
6. The Mahdi is alleged to be accompanied by Jesus Christ. - The Antichrist will be accompanied by the Head of Judeo-Christian Organized Religion, the Pope, the Vicar of Christ.
The Islamic world is ready for a strong man to come, subordinate all of the entire world to Islam, and bring peace. The Islamic world is ready for the Antichrist.