Herod:

The name "Herod" refers to several rulers mentioned in the New Testament, all part of the Herodian dynasty. The most notable Herods in the context of the New Testament are Herod the Great, Herod Archelaus, Herod Antipas, and Herod Agrippa I and II.

1. Herod the Great: Known for his role in the nativity narrative, Herod the Great was the king of Judea at the time of Jesus' birth. He is infamous for ordering the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem in an attempt to kill the newborn "King of the Jews" (Matthew 2:16). Herod the Great was a client king under Roman authority, known for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

2. Herod Archelaus: The son of Herod the Great, Archelaus ruled over Judea, Samaria, and Idumea after his father's death. His reign was marked by tyranny and incompetence, leading to his eventual deposition by the Romans (Matthew 2:22).

3. Herod Antipas: Another son of Herod the Great, Herod Antipas is most noted for his role in the execution of John the Baptist. He ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Herod Antipas is also mentioned in the trial of Jesus, where he mocked Jesus and sent Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:7-12).

4. Herod Agrippa I: The grandson of Herod the Great, Agrippa I is known for his persecution of the early church. He executed James, the brother of John, and imprisoned Peter (Acts 12:1-3). His death is recorded in Acts 12:23, where he was struck down by an angel of the Lord for not giving glory to God.

5. Herod Agrippa II: The son of Agrippa I, he is noted for his interaction with the Apostle Paul. Paul made his defense before Agrippa II, as recorded in Acts 25:13-26:32. Agrippa II expressed skepticism but was intrigued by Paul's testimony.

Pontius Pilate:

Pontius Pilate served as the Roman governor, or prefect, of Judea from AD 26 to 36. He is most famously known for presiding over the trial of Jesus Christ and authorizing His crucifixion. Pilate's role is pivotal in the Passion narratives across the Gospels.

1. Trial of Jesus: Pilate is depicted as a conflicted figure during the trial of Jesus. Despite finding no fault in Jesus, Pilate succumbed to the pressure of the Jewish leaders and the crowd, ultimately washing his hands as a symbolic gesture of innocence (Matthew 27:24). In the Gospel of John, Pilate questions Jesus about His kingship, leading to Jesus' profound declaration, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36).

2. Interaction with Herod Antipas: During the trial, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, as Jesus was a Galilean and under Herod's jurisdiction. Herod, after mocking Jesus, returned Him to Pilate, which led to a reconciliation between the two rulers (Luke 23:6-12).

3. Historical Context: Pilate's governance was marked by tension with the Jewish population, often due to his insensitivity to Jewish customs and his harsh measures. His eventual removal from office was due to complaints from the Samaritans, leading to his recall to Rome.

4. Legacy: Pilate's role in the crucifixion of Jesus has been a subject of theological reflection and historical analysis. In the Apostles' Creed, he is specifically mentioned, underscoring his part in the Passion narrative: "suffered under Pontius Pilate."

Both Herod and Pilate are integral to the New Testament narrative, representing the political and social dynamics of Judea under Roman rule. Their interactions with Jesus highlight the fulfillment of prophetic scripture and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Christ's death and resurrection.