The term "Persecution by Herod" refers primarily to the actions taken by Herod the Great and his descendants against early Christians and figures associated with the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ. Herod the Great, known for his architectural achievements and political acumen, is also infamous for his tyrannical rule and acts of violence, particularly those recorded in the New Testament.

Herod the Great and the Massacre of the Innocents

Herod the Great's most notorious act of persecution is the Massacre of the Innocents, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Upon hearing from the Magi about the birth of the "King of the Jews," Herod felt threatened by the potential challenge to his throne. In an attempt to eliminate this threat, he ordered the killing of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity. Matthew 2:16 states, "When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he sent orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi." This brutal act fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah, as noted in Matthew 2:17-18.

Herod Antipas and John the Baptist

Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, also played a significant role in the persecution of early Christian figures. He is most famously known for the execution of John the Baptist. John had openly criticized Herod Antipas for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. Herodias harbored a grudge against John and sought his death. Herod, though initially reluctant, was manipulated into ordering John's execution after Herodias's daughter pleased him with a dance. Mark 6:27 recounts, "So without delay, the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went, beheaded him in the prison."

Herod Agrippa I and the Early Church

Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, continued the legacy of persecution against the early Church. He is noted for his role in the martyrdom of the Apostle James and the imprisonment of Peter. Acts 12:1-2 records, "About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword." Herod Agrippa's actions were motivated by a desire to gain favor with the Jewish populace, as he saw that such acts pleased them.

Herod Agrippa II and the Apostle Paul

Herod Agrippa II, the son of Herod Agrippa I, is mentioned in the context of the Apostle Paul's trials. While not directly persecuting Paul, Agrippa II played a role in the legal proceedings against him. In Acts 26, Paul presents his defense before Agrippa, who is intrigued by Paul's testimony but ultimately does not convert. Acts 26:28 states, "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Can you persuade me in such a short time to become a Christian?'"

The Herodian dynasty's interactions with early Christianity are marked by a series of persecutions and legal challenges that reflect the broader tension between the nascent Christian movement and the political powers of the time. These events underscore the trials faced by early Christians and the fulfillment of Jesus' warnings about persecution.