Topical Encyclopedia Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for his role as the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus Christ. His life and actions exemplify the concept of worldliness, as he is often depicted as a ruler driven by political ambition, moral compromise, and a desire for personal pleasure.Background and Political Ambition Herod Antipas was one of the sons of Herod the Great, who divided his kingdom among his sons upon his death. Antipas was given the title of tetrarch and ruled over Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39. His political ambition is evident in his efforts to maintain power and favor with the Roman authorities. He built the city of Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, naming it in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius, as a means to curry favor with Rome and solidify his political standing. Moral Compromise and Personal Pleasure Herod Antipas is perhaps best known for his involvement in the execution of John the Baptist. John had openly criticized Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, saying, "It is not lawful for you to have her" (Mark 6:18). Herodias harbored a grudge against John and sought to kill him. Herod, though he feared John and recognized him as a righteous and holy man, ultimately succumbed to the pressure of his wife and the allure of personal pleasure. During a banquet, Herodias's daughter, Salome, danced for Herod and his guests, pleasing him so much that he rashly promised to give her anything she asked, up to half his kingdom. At her mother's behest, she requested the head of John the Baptist, and Herod, though distressed, ordered John's execution to save face before his guests (Mark 6:21-28). Encounter with Jesus Herod Antipas's worldliness is further highlighted in his encounter with Jesus. When Jesus was brought before him during His trial, Herod was eager to see Him, hoping to witness a miracle. However, Jesus remained silent, offering no response to Herod's questions. 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). This encounter underscores Herod's superficial curiosity and lack of spiritual insight, as he failed to recognize the true nature of Christ's mission. Legacy of Worldliness Herod Antipas's life serves as a cautionary tale of worldliness, characterized by a pursuit of power, moral compromise, and a focus on temporal pleasures. His actions, driven by a desire to maintain his status and satisfy his personal desires, ultimately led to his downfall. According to historical accounts, Herodias's ambition eventually led to their exile by the Roman Emperor Caligula, stripping them of their power and influence. In the biblical narrative, Herod Antipas stands as a symbol of the dangers of worldliness, illustrating how the pursuit of earthly power and pleasure can lead to moral decay and spiritual blindness. His interactions with John the Baptist and Jesus Christ highlight the stark contrast between worldly values and the call to righteousness and truth. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 14:6,7But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Nave's Topical Index Library The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned Resources What is the New World Order? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible prophesy a one-world government and a one-world currency in the end times? | GotQuestions.org What is the World Evangelical Alliance? | GotQuestions.org World: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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