Herod Antipas (sources)
Survey of ancient sources on Herod Antipas.
Overview
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.
Josephus
Christian sources
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).
Gospel of Mark "Herod [Antipas] himself had sent men, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because [Herod] had married her. For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.' And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he like to listen to him" (Mk 6:17-20).
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.
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
- 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)...
Acts of Apostles
In this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate... gathered together against your holy servant Jesus (Acts 4:27).