Topical Encyclopedia Adultery, as defined in the Bible, is the act of engaging in sexual relations with someone who is not one's spouse. It is considered a grave sin and a violation of the covenant of marriage. The account of Herod, particularly Herod Antipas, provides a notable biblical example of adultery and its consequences.Herod Antipas and Herodias Herod Antipas, a tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, is prominently featured in the New Testament in connection with the sin of adultery. He was the son of Herod the Great and ruled during the time of Jesus' ministry. The Gospels recount his unlawful marriage to Herodias, who was the wife of his half-brother, Herod Philip. This union was considered adulterous and was publicly condemned by John the Baptist. In the Gospel of Mark, it is recorded: "For Herod himself had sent and arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.'" (Mark 6:17-18, BSB). John's bold rebuke of Herod's adulterous relationship ultimately led to his imprisonment and subsequent execution. The Role of Herodias Herodias played a significant role in the events that unfolded. Her resentment towards John the Baptist for his condemnation of her marriage to Herod Antipas is evident in the biblical narrative. Herodias harbored a grudge against John and sought an opportunity to have him killed. This opportunity arose during Herod's birthday celebration, where Herodias's daughter, Salome, performed a dance that pleased Herod. In a moment of rashness, Herod promised to grant her any request, up to half his kingdom. Prompted by her mother, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter, a request that Herod reluctantly fulfilled (Mark 6:21-28, BSB). Moral and Spiritual Implications The account of Herod and Herodias serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of adultery. It highlights the moral and spiritual decay that can result from such sin, affecting not only the individuals directly involved but also those around them. Herod's unlawful marriage led to a series of events that culminated in the martyrdom of John the Baptist, a prophet and forerunner of Christ. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of adhering to God's commandments regarding marriage and fidelity. Adultery is consistently condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14, BSB). The New Testament reiterates this prohibition, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the call to purity and holiness. Herod's Legacy Herod Antipas's legacy is marred by his involvement in adultery and the subsequent execution of John the Baptist. His actions serve as a cautionary tale of the consequences of disregarding God's laws. Despite his political power and influence, Herod's moral failings are what the biblical record most vividly remembers. In summary, the account of Herod and his adulterous relationship with Herodias provides a profound example of the biblical teaching on adultery. It illustrates the serious nature of this sin and its far-reaching effects, both in the lives of those who commit it and in the broader community. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 14:3,4For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. Nave's Topical Index Mark 6:17,18 Luke 3:19 Library Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John ... Herod and John the Baptist Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ... The Malice of Antipater and Doris. Alexander is Very Uneasy on ... How Eurycles Falsely Accused Herod's Sons; and How their Father ... Divorce Book 15 Footnotes Preface. The King's Courts Journey to Jerusalem. Concerning Divorce. Resources What can we learn from the woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.orgDo I have to confess my adultery to my spouse? | GotQuestions.org What was Jesus writing in the dirt/sand when the Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery? | GotQuestions.org Adultery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |