Blastus is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is identified as the "chamberlain" or "personal servant" of King Herod Agrippa I. The account of Blastus is found in Acts 12:20, which provides insight into his role and the political dynamics of the time.

Biblical Reference:

Acts 12:20 : "Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came to him with one accord and, having won over Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food."

Historical Context:

Blastus served during the reign of Herod Agrippa I, who ruled Judea from AD 41 to 44. Herod Agrippa I was a grandson of Herod the Great and is known for his persecution of the early Christian church, including the execution of James, the brother of John, and the imprisonment of Peter (Acts 12:1-3).

Role and Influence:

As the king's chamberlain, Blastus held a position of significant influence within Herod's court. The term "chamberlain" suggests that he was responsible for managing the king's household and possibly acted as an intermediary between Herod and those seeking his favor. His role would have required a high level of trust and loyalty to the king.

The account in Acts 12:20 highlights Blastus's involvement in the political negotiations between Herod and the cities of Tyre and Sidon. These cities, located on the Mediterranean coast, were economically dependent on Herod's territory for food supplies. The people of Tyre and Sidon, seeking to resolve a dispute with Herod, successfully "won over" Blastus to secure an audience with the king. This indicates that Blastus had the ability to influence Herod's decisions and was a key figure in facilitating diplomatic relations.

Theological Significance:

While Blastus is a minor character in the biblical narrative, his mention underscores the complex political and social environment in which the early church existed. The dependence of Tyre and Sidon on Herod's territory for sustenance reflects the broader theme of reliance on earthly powers, contrasting with the Christian call to depend on God for provision and guidance.

Blastus's role also illustrates the intricate web of relationships and negotiations that characterized the political landscape of the time. His ability to be "won over" by the people of Tyre and Sidon suggests the potential for influence and persuasion within the royal court, highlighting the human element in political affairs.

Conclusion:

Blastus's brief appearance in the Book of Acts serves as a reminder of the historical and political context in which the early church operated. His position as chamberlain to Herod Agrippa I and his involvement in the negotiations with Tyre and Sidon provide a glimpse into the complexities of governance and diplomacy in the ancient world.Blastus

that buds or brings forth

Blastus

(sprout), the chamberlain of Herod Agrippa I. (Acts 12:20)

Blastus

A chamberlain of Herod Agrippa, bribed to favor the men of Tyre and Sidon, Acts 12:20.

Chamberlain to king Herod Agrippa I. (Acts 12:20). Such persons generally had great influence with their masters. BLASTUS

blas'-tus (Blastos, "shoot"): The chamberlain of Herod Agrippa I, whose services as an intermediary between them and the king were gained by the people of Tyre and Sidon. These cities were dependent on Palestine for corn and other provisions, and when Herod, on the occasion of some commercial dispute, forbade the export of foodstuffs to Tyre and Sidon, they were at his mercy and were compelled to ask for peace. "Having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend," probably by means of a bribe, the Phoenician embassy was given an opportunity of setting their case before Herod (Acts 12:20).

S. F. Hunter

986. Blastos -- Blastus, the chamberlain of Herod Agrippa I
... Blastus, the chamberlain of Herod Agrippa I. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Blastos Phonetic Spelling: (blas'-tos) Short Definition: Blastus ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/986.htm - 6k

The Schism of Blastus at Rome.
... Book V. Chapter XV."The Schism of Blastus at Rome. ... He fell from the presbyterate
of the Church, and Blastus was involved in a similar fall. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xv the schism of blastus.htm

Blastus, Two Theodoti, Praxeas.
... Chapter VIII."Blastus, Two Theodoti, Praxeas. In addition to all these, there
is likewise Blastus, who would latently introduce Judaism. ...
/.../tertullian/against all heresies/chapter viii blastus two theodoti praxeas.htm

The Writings of Iren??us against the Schismatics at Rome.
... Rome. One of them was to Blastus On Schism; [1662] another to Florinus
On Monarchy, [1663] or That God is not the Author of Evil. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xx the writings of irenaeus.htm

Acts xii. 18, 19
... and there abode: and Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but
they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvii acts xii 18.htm

Fragment xxxviii. The Apostles Ordained, that "We Should not Judge ...
... [4878]. Footnotes: [4876] Taken apparently from the Epistle to Blastus, de
Schismate. Compare a similar passage, lib. iv. chap. xxxiii. 7. ...
/.../fragment xxxviii the apostles ordained.htm

Fragment L. For Then There Shall in Truth be a Common Joy ...
... we should celebrate it upon the first day of the week." This shows us that the extract
must have been taken from the work Against Schism addressed to Blastus. ...
/.../fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/fragment l for then there.htm

Iren??us
... the nations and another On discipline, a letter to Marcianus his brother On apostolical
preaching, a book of Various treatises; also to Blastus, On schism ...
/.../jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter xxxv irenaeus.htm

The Ecclesiastical Writers that Flourished in those Days.
... H??r. For a notice of Iren??us' epistle On Schism, addressed to Blastus, and the
one On Sovereignty, addressed to Florinus, see Bk. V. chap. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxi the ecclesiastical writers that.htm

Church History
... Dissension of Marcion. Chapter XIV.--The False Prophets of the Phrygians. Chapter
XV.--The Schism of Blastus at Rome. Chapter XVI.--The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/

Acts XII
... But they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's chamberlain
their friend, desired peace, because their country was nourished by that ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xii.htm

Blastus (1 Occurrence)
... masters. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BLASTUS. blas'-tus ... 20). SF Hunter.
Multi-Version Concordance Blastus (1 Occurrence). Acts 12 ...
/b/blastus.htm - 7k

Chamberlain (14 Occurrences)
... made (Comp. Acts 17:34). Blastus, Herod's "chamberlain" (Acts 12:20), was
his personal attendant or valet-de-chambre. The Hebrew ...
/c/chamberlain.htm - 14k

Blaze (9 Occurrences)

/b/blaze.htm - 10k

Nourished (29 Occurrences)
... Acts 12:20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they
came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain ...
/n/nourished.htm - 15k

Joined (146 Occurrences)
... They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus, the king's personal
aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the ...
/j/joined.htm - 36k

Gained (66 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 12:20 And he was in bitter hostility with the Tyrians and Sidonians;
but they came to him with one accord, and, having gained Blastus the king's ...
/g/gained.htm - 25k

Won (24 Occurrences)
... They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus, the king's personal
aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the ...
/w/won.htm - 13k

Incurred (9 Occurrences)
... So they sent a large deputation to wait on him; and having secured the good will
of Blastus, his treasurer, they begged the king to be friendly with them again ...
/i/incurred.htm - 9k

Fed (62 Occurrences)
... Acts 12:20 Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came
with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain ...
/f/fed.htm - 25k

Friendly (17 Occurrences)
... So they sent a large deputation to wait on him; and having secured the good will
of Blastus, his treasurer, they begged the king to be friendly with them again ...
/f/friendly.htm - 11k

Who was Herod Agrippa I? | GotQuestions.org

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