Herod is a name associated with several rulers mentioned in the New Testament, each playing a significant role in the historical and religious context of the time. The Herodian dynasty, of Idumean descent, was established by Herod the Great, who was appointed King of Judea by the Roman Senate. The Herods are known for their complex relationship with the Jewish people and their interactions with key figures in the early Christian narrative.

Herod the Great

Herod the Great (c. 73–4 BC) is perhaps the most well-known of the Herodian rulers. He is noted for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, known as Herod's Temple. Despite his architectural achievements, Herod's reign was marked by paranoia and brutality. He is infamously remembered for the "Massacre of the Innocents," as recorded in Matthew 2:16-18 : "When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi."

Herod's fear of losing his throne led to numerous acts of cruelty, including the execution of several of his own family members. His reign ended with his death in 4 BC, after which his kingdom was divided among his sons.

Herod Archelaus

Herod Archelaus, a son of Herod the Great, inherited the title of ethnarch and ruled over Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. His reign was short-lived due to his tyrannical rule, which led to his deposition by the Roman authorities in AD 6. His removal is alluded to in Matthew 2:22 : "But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee."

Herod Antipas

Herod Antipas, another son of Herod the Great, ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39. He is most prominently featured in the Gospels for his role in the execution of John the Baptist. Mark 6:17-18 states: "For Herod himself had given orders to arrest John and chain him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.'"

Herod Antipas also appears in the trial of Jesus. Luke 23:7-11 describes how Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time. Herod, hoping to see a miracle, questioned Jesus but ultimately mocked Him and sent Him back to Pilate.

Herod Agrippa I

Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, ruled as king over various territories, including Judea, from AD 37 to 44. He is noted for his persecution of the early Church, as recorded in Acts 12:1-3 : "About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. And seeing that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread."

Herod Agrippa I's death is dramatically recounted in Acts 12:21-23 , where he is struck down by an angel of the Lord for not giving glory to God, dying a gruesome death.

Herod Agrippa II

Herod Agrippa II, the son of Herod Agrippa I, is the last of the Herodian rulers mentioned in the New Testament. He is known for his encounter with the Apostle Paul, as described in Acts 25-26. Paul presents his defense before Agrippa, who famously remarks in Acts 26:28 , "In such a short time, would you persuade me to become a Christian?"

The Herodian dynasty, through its various rulers, played a pivotal role in the political and religious landscape of Judea during the time of Christ and the early Church. Their interactions with key biblical figures highlight the tension between the ruling authorities and the burgeoning Christian movement.