On the Acts of the Apostles

Who were the Magi? In Acts chapter 8, Simon is part of this class. The magi appear several places besides this throughout Scripture -- Balaam back in Numbers, Ellymas, and the Magi who visited Jesus.

The term "Magi" itself may refer to a shaman, sorcerer, or a wizard. We think though that these Magi were part of a sacred caste of priests during the empire of the Medes. When the Medes fell they continued as priests of Persia. Their influence continued in Parthia untill after the time of Christ.

They were part of the Zurvanists - a Mesopatanian cult of ZoroastrianismIt seems as if Zurvanism actually forbade sorcery, but still used astrology and put much influence on interpreting dreams. Zurvanism actually survived untill about 900 A.D. They had a dualistic view where there were twin sons of Zurvan one all good and the other all evil. We still see some influences of this in today's world religions.

It's not sure if all of the people mentioned in Scripture as belonging to the Magi were truly part of this priesthood. There is so much tradition regarding the Magi that came to wroship Christ, that it is difficult to sift down to the facts. While quite inconclusive at this level, it is an interesting subject for casual study.