Herod Antipas
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Herod Antipas, a significant figure in the New Testament, was a son of Herod the Great and Malthace, a Samaritan woman. He ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39, following the division of his father's kingdom among his sons. Herod Antipas is most notably recognized for his interactions with John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.

Political Background and Rule

Herod Antipas was appointed tetrarch by the Roman Emperor Augustus after the death of Herod the Great. His rule was marked by a blend of Roman influence and Jewish tradition, as he sought to maintain favor with both the Roman authorities and his Jewish subjects. He is credited with the construction of the city of Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, which he named in honor of the Roman Emperor Tiberius.

John the Baptist

Herod Antipas is infamously known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist. John had openly criticized Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. This marriage was considered a violation of Jewish law, as stated in Leviticus 18:16 and 20:21. Herodias harbored a grudge against John and sought his death. Herod, though perplexed by John and recognizing him as a righteous and holy man, was reluctant to kill him. However, during a banquet, Herodias's daughter, Salome, danced for Herod and his guests, pleasing him so much that he promised to grant her any request. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Though distressed, Herod complied due to his oaths and the presence of his guests (Mark 6:17-29).

Jesus Christ

Herod Antipas also appears in the Gospel accounts concerning Jesus Christ. When Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, Pilate, learning that Jesus was a Galilean and thus under Herod's jurisdiction, sent Him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time. Herod had long desired to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle. However, Jesus remained silent in Herod's presence, offering no answers to his questions. Herod, along with his soldiers, mocked Jesus, dressing Him in a splendid robe before sending Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:6-12).

Herod's Downfall

Herod Antipas's downfall came as a result of his political ambitions and missteps. He sought the title of king, which led to his eventual exile. His nephew, Herod Agrippa I, accused him of conspiracy against the Roman Emperor Caligula. Consequently, Herod Antipas was stripped of his tetrarchy and banished to Gaul, where he lived out the remainder of his life.

Herod Antipas's life and actions are a testament to the complex interplay of political power, personal ambition, and moral accountability, as depicted in the New Testament narratives. His interactions with key biblical figures highlight the tension between worldly authority and divine purpose.
Herod and Pontius Pilate
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