Who Was Herod Antipas in the Bible — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great by his Samaritan wife Malthace. When Herod the Great died in 4 BC, his kingdom was divided among his sons. Archelaus received Judea, Herod Philip received Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Herod Antipas received Galilee and Perea, ruling as tetrarch (ruler of a fourth part) from 4 BC to 39 AD. Antipas is most notorious for his role in the death of John the Baptist. John had publicly condemned Antipas for marrying Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, while Philip was still living — a violation of Levitical law. Herodias, who had left her husband to marry Antipas, held a bitter grudge against John. At Antipas's birthday feast, Herodias's daughter Salome danced before the guests. Pleased by her performance, Antipas promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, Salome requested 'the head of John the Baptist here in a charger.' Though 'the king was sorry,' he kept his oath before his guests and sent an executioner. John's head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who gave it to her mother. Antipas also appears in the trial of Jesus. When Pilate learned that Jesus was from Galilee, he sent Him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time. Herod 'was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.' He questioned Jesus 'in many words; but he answered him nothing.' The chief priests and scribes stood and 'vehemently accused him.' Herod and his soldiers mocked Jesus, put a gorgeous robe on Him, and sent Him back to Pilate. Luke notes that Herod and Pilate 'were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.' Antipas's later life ended in disgrace. His nephew Herod Agrippa I accused him before Emperor Caligula of plotting rebellion and alliance with Parthia. Caligula banished Antipas to Gaul, where he died in exile. Herodias chose to share his exile rather than return to her former husband. Antipas represents the tragic pattern of a man who knew right but chose wrong. He respected John, 'feared' him, and 'heard him gladly' — yet he valued his reputation and his oath before men more than justice. His story warns that moral compromise, however small it seems, leads to ever greater evil.

Where It Sits in Scripture

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