Herod Antipas, known as the Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was a prominent figure in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels. He was a son of Herod the Great and Malthace, a Samaritan woman. Herod Antipas ruled as tetrarch from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39, a position granted to him upon the division of his father's kingdom after Herod the Great's death.

Role and Governance

Herod Antipas is most noted for his governance over Galilee and Perea, regions that were significant in the ministry of Jesus Christ. His rule was marked by a blend of Roman influence and Jewish tradition, as he sought to maintain favor with both the Roman authorities and the Jewish populace. He is credited with the construction of the city of Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, which he named in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius.

Interaction with John the Baptist

Herod Antipas is infamously known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist. The Gospels recount that John the Baptist openly criticized Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. This marriage was considered a violation of Jewish law, as stated in Leviticus 18:16 and 20:21. Herodias harbored a grudge against John and sought his death, but Herod, who feared John and recognized him as a righteous and holy man, initially protected him (Mark 6:19-20).

However, during a banquet celebrating his birthday, Herodias's daughter, traditionally known as Salome, performed a dance that pleased Herod and his guests. In a moment of rashness, Herod promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked, up to half his kingdom. Prompted by her mother, she requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Though deeply distressed, Herod, bound by his oath and the presence of his guests, reluctantly ordered John's execution (Mark 6:21-28).

Biblical Account

The account of John the Baptist's beheading is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. In Matthew 14:9-11 , it is written: "The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted and sent to have John beheaded in the prison. John's head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother."

Herod and Jesus

Herod Antipas also appears in the narrative of Jesus' life. He is the Herod to whom Pontius Pilate sent Jesus during His trial, as Jesus was a Galilean and thus under Herod's jurisdiction (Luke 23:6-12). Herod had long desired to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle, but Jesus remained silent before him. Herod, after mocking Jesus, sent Him back to Pilate, leading to the eventual crucifixion.

Legacy

Herod Antipas's legacy is one of political ambition and moral compromise. His actions, particularly the execution of John the Baptist, are often viewed as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride, rash vows, and the influence of others in positions of power. His interactions with both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ place him as a significant, though tragic, figure in the New Testament narrative.Mark 6:16-28
But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
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Matthew 14:3-11
For 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

Who was Salome in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Herodias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why was John the Baptist beheaded? | GotQuestions.org

Herod: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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