Topical Encyclopedia Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39. His reign is marked by political maneuvering, moral corruption, and a notorious role in the New Testament narrative. Herod Antipas is perhaps best known for his involvement in the execution of John the Baptist and his interactions with Jesus Christ.Background and Political Maneuvering Herod Antipas was a member of the Herodian dynasty, a family known for its complex and often ruthless political strategies. Upon the death of Herod the Great, his kingdom was divided among his sons, with Antipas receiving the regions of Galilee and Perea. His rule was characterized by a desire to maintain favor with the Roman Empire, which often led to oppressive measures against his subjects. Antipas's political ambitions are evident in his founding of the city of Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, named in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. This act was both a demonstration of loyalty to Rome and an attempt to solidify his power and influence in the region. Moral Corruption and the Execution of John the Baptist Herod Antipas's personal life was marred by scandal and immorality, most notably his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. This union was publicly condemned by John the Baptist, who boldly declared, "It is not lawful for you to have her" (Matthew 14:4). Herodias harbored a grudge against John and sought his death, but Herod initially resisted due to his fear of the people's reaction and his recognition of John as a righteous and holy man (Mark 6:20). However, during a lavish birthday banquet, Herodias's daughter, Salome, performed a dance that pleased Herod, prompting him to rashly promise her anything she desired. At her mother's behest, she requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Though distressed, Herod complied to save face before his guests, thus ordering John's execution (Matthew 14:6-11). Interactions with Jesus Christ Herod Antipas's interactions with Jesus Christ further illustrate his tyrannical nature. When Jesus was brought before him during His trial, Herod hoped to witness a miracle, driven by curiosity rather than faith. However, Jesus remained silent, offering no response to Herod's questioning. Frustrated and mocking, Herod and his soldiers ridiculed Jesus, dressing Him in a splendid robe before sending Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:8-11). Legacy of Tyranny Herod Antipas's reign is remembered for its moral depravity and political expediency. His actions, particularly the execution of John the Baptist, reveal a ruler more concerned with personal power and reputation than with justice or righteousness. His interactions with Jesus Christ further underscore his spiritual blindness and inability to recognize the truth standing before him. In the end, Herod's ambition led to his downfall. His attempt to gain the title of king resulted in his exile by Emperor Caligula in AD 39, marking the end of his tyrannical rule. Herod Antipas serves as a cautionary figure, illustrating the perils of unchecked ambition and moral compromise. Nave's Topical Index Luke 13:31,32The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying to him, Get you out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill you. Nave's Topical Index Library The Historical Situation The Child-Life in Nazareth Book 18 Footnotes The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ... John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects. Resources Who was Herod Antipas? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.org Who was Herod Agrippa I? | GotQuestions.org Herod: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Herod: King of Judah (Herod the Great) Herod: Son of Aristobulus (Herod Agrippa I) Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas) Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Beheads John the Baptist Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Desires to See Jesus Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Incest of Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Jesus Tried By Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas): Tyranny of Irony: Herod Agrippa Ii to Paul Sarcasm: Herod Agrippa Ii to Paul Related Terms |
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