The Herodians were a political group mentioned in the New Testament, known for their association with the Herodian dynasty. They are often depicted in the Gospels as opponents of Jesus, aligning themselves with the Pharisees to challenge Him. The Herodians are mentioned specifically in the context of their interactions with Jesus, where they are portrayed as hypocritical in their intentions and actions.

Biblical References:

1. Mark 3:6 : "At this, the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus." This verse highlights the early collaboration between the Pharisees and the Herodians against Jesus. Despite their differing motivations—religious for the Pharisees and political for the Herodians—they united in opposition to Christ.

2. Mark 12:13 : "Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words." Here, the Herodians are depicted as part of a scheme to entrap Jesus with His own words. Their approach was deceitful, as they sought to undermine His authority and teachings.

3. Matthew 22:16 : "They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we know that You are honest and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.'" This passage illustrates the hypocrisy of the Herodians. They feigned respect and admiration for Jesus while attempting to ensnare Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar.

Historical Context:

The Herodians were likely a political faction that supported the Herodian dynasty, which ruled parts of Judea and Galilee under Roman authority. Their primary interest was in maintaining the status quo and the political power of the Herodian family. This allegiance to Herod and Rome put them at odds with the Jewish populace, who resented Roman occupation and influence.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the Herodians represent the dangers of political expediency and compromise. Their willingness to collaborate with the Pharisees, despite differing agendas, underscores a broader theme of hypocrisy—professing one thing while acting in contradiction to those professed beliefs. Their actions serve as a cautionary example of how political and religious motivations can become entangled, leading to actions that are contrary to the teachings of Christ.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

The Herodians' behavior is a reminder of the importance of sincerity and integrity in one's faith and actions. Their attempts to manipulate and deceive Jesus highlight the moral pitfalls of hypocrisy. For believers, this serves as a call to examine one's own motives and ensure that actions align with the teachings of the Gospel.

In summary, the Herodians, as depicted in the New Testament, are emblematic of the challenges posed by political and religious hypocrisy. Their interactions with Jesus reveal the complexities of navigating faith in a world where political and religious interests often collide.Mark 12:13,15
And they send to him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
... other hand, Jesus said that the tribute should not be paid, the Herodians were present ...
said unto them, { ^a and said} Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites? ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cix jewish rulers seek to.htm

Matt. xxii. 15
... they expected to lay hold of Him; but they desired rather that He should say something
against the Herodians. ... "Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?" Seest thou how ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxx matt xxii 15.htm

The Gospel of Mark
... his superiority by answering the questions of Pharisees, Sadducees and Herodians,
and points to ... the look of anger that Christ cast on the hypocrites about him ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the gospel of mark.htm

The Withered Hand
... that they invoke against this new foe the help of their natural enemies, the Herodians. ...
It is to be observed that no offense to hypocrites, no danger to Himself ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 1-6 the withered hand.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the ...
... been the motives which brought about this strange alliance of Pharisees and Herodians. ...
it exhibits in deed what Christ had said to those hypocrites who had ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the third day.htm

Tuesday --The Day of Controversy.
... And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we ... perceived
their craftiness, and said, "Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/tuesdaythe day of controversy.htm

The Final Controversies in Jerusalem
... he felt a likeness between it and the nation of hypocrites whose fate ... authority,
in three questions put in succession by Pharisees and Herodians, by Sadducees ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/vi the final controversies in.htm

The Theory of Enthusiasm or Self-Deception.
... When the Pharisees and Herodians, with the malicious intention to entangle him into ...
And when the sanctimonious hypocrites, in the case of the adulterous woman ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/iii the theory of enthusiasm or.htm

The vineyard and Its Keepers
... son; the three answers to the traps of the Pharisees and Herodians about the ... Son
and Lord of David; the stern woes hurled at the unmasked hypocrites; to which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the vineyard and its keepers.htm

Tribute to Caesar.
... And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we ... perceived
their craftiness, and said, "Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/tribute to caesar.htm

Questions about the Christian Life (All) | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about hypocrisy? | GotQuestions.org

Growth in Life ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

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