Category:Herod Antipas (subject)

Herod Antipas (1st century CE) was a member of the Herodian family, the son of Herod the Great and tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4 BCE to 39 CE.

Herod Antipas in ancient sources

The writings of Flavius Josephus are the main source of information about the life and deeds of Herod Antipas. References to this character can be found also in the Gospels, since both John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth were his subjects and carried out their public careers mostly in his territories.

(a) Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, his marriage with Herodias

Flavius Josephus introduces Herod Antipas as one of the sons of Herod the Great and Malthace, the brother of Archelaus, the half-brother of Herod II, Herod Philip, and others. At the death of his father, Herod Antipas was appointed tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. His first wife was Phasaelis, the daughter of King Aretas IV of Nabatea. He divorced her in favour of Herodias, who was his niece and had formerly been married to his brother Herod II. The tetrarch's divorce added a personal grievance to previous disputes with Aretas over territory on the border of Perea and Nabatea. The result was a war that proved disastrous for Herod Antipas. In 39 CE Herod Antipas was accused by his nephew Herod Agrippa I of conspiracy against the new Roman emperor Caligula, who sent him into exile in Gaul. Accompanied there by Herodias, he died at an unknown date.

In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke-Acts also, Herod is referred to as "the tetrarch" (Mt 14:1; Lk 3:19; 9:7; Acts 13:1) or "the tetrarch of Galilee" (Lk 3:1).

(b) His relation with John the Baptist

(c) His relation with Jesus of Nazareth

Gospel of Mark -

• King Herod [Antipas] heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” (6:14)... When Herod [Antipas] heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised” (6:16).

• [Jesus] cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod” (8:15).

Gospel of Matthew

• At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus (14:1)

Gospel of Luke - Acts of Apostles

• Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, (Lk 9:7)... Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him (9:9).

• At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to [Jesus], “Get away from here, for Herod [Antipas] wants to kill you.” (Lk 13:31)

• When [Pilate] learned that [Jesus] belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time (Lk 23:7). When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him (23:8)... And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate (23:11). And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other (23:12)... Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him (23:15)... In this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate... gathered together against your holy servant Jesus (Acts 4:27).

NOTES - Neither Josephus nor the Gospel of John say anything about the relationship between Herod Antipas and Jesus. The Synoptic tradition claims that Herod "heard" of Jesus and of what people thought, that [Jesus] was John the Baptist redivivus.

Mark adds that Jesus cautioned his disciples against "the leaves of Herod." Luke offers a couple of unique claims. He says that on one occasion Herod tried to kill [Jesus]. Herod also sought to see [Jesus] and actually saw him when Pontius Pilate sent him. Acts blames both Pilate and Herod for gathering together against Jesus.

Herod Antipas in Scholarship

As tetrarch in Galilee and Perea, Herod Antipas played an important role in the history of the Second Temple period. As such, scholars have examined his figure in articles and monographs, notably, Herod Antipas (1972 Hoehner), book.

Herod Antipas in Fiction

Herod Antipas, with Herodias and Salome, is present in all fictional retellings of the story of the death of John the Baptist. Less frequently his figure is associated with Jesus of Nazareth. Herod Antipas is never the protagonist, and very seldom is given a memorable role, like the one played by Josh Mostel in Jesus Christ Superstar (1973 Jewison), film.

Related subjects

• Herod the Great (subject)
• Herodias (subject) / Salome (subject)
• John the Baptist (subject)
• Jesus of Nazareth (subject)