Herod Antipas: Tetrarch who had John the Baptist beheaded

Herod Antipas, a tetrarch during the time of Jesus, is infamous for having John the Baptist beheaded. His rule was marked by political intrigue, moral controversies, and significant interactions with key biblical figures.

Quick Facts

1. Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea: Herod Antipas ruled over these regions from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39.
2. Son of Herod the Great: He was one of the sons of Herod the Great, known for his building projects and tyrannical rule.
3. Marriage to Herodias: His marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife, was condemned by John the Baptist as unlawful.
4. Imprisonment of John the Baptist: Antipas imprisoned John for his rebuke but feared killing him due to John’s popularity.
5. Birthday Banquet: During a banquet, Herodias’s daughter, Salome, performed a dance that pleased Herod, leading to John’s execution.
6. Role in Jesus’ Trial: Herod Antipas played a role in the trial of Jesus, mocking him and sending him back to Pilate.
7. Exile: Herod Antipas was eventually exiled to Gaul by the Roman Emperor Caligula.

Historical and Political Background

Herod Antipas was a son of Herod the Great and ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, regions that are now part of modern-day Israel and Jordan, from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39. His governance was under the auspices of the Roman Empire, which allowed local rulers like Antipas to maintain a semblance of autonomy while ensuring loyalty to Rome.

Marriage to Herodias

One of the most controversial aspects of Antipas’s rule was his marriage to Herodias, who was previously married to his half-brother, Herod Philip. This marriage was publicly condemned by John the Baptist as being unlawful according to Jewish law (Mark 6:18). Herodias harbored a grudge against John for this rebuke and sought to have him killed (Mark 6:19).

Imprisonment and Execution of John the Baptist

Herod Antipas arrested John the Baptist and imprisoned him in the fortress of Machaerus. Although he was intrigued by John and recognized him as a righteous and holy man, Herod feared executing him due to John’s influence over the people (Mark 6:20). The situation came to a head during Herod’s birthday banquet. Salome, the daughter of Herodias, performed a dance that so pleased Herod that he rashly promised to grant her any request. Prompted by her mother, Salome asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter (Mark 6:22-25). Reluctantly, Herod ordered the execution, fulfilling the request (Mark 6:26-28).

Role in Jesus’ Trial

Herod Antipas also appears in the New Testament during the trial of Jesus. When Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, Pilate sent him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time, hoping to pass off the responsibility. Herod had long wanted to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle (Luke 23:8). However, Jesus did not perform any miracles or answer Herod’s questions. Mocking Jesus, Herod and his soldiers dressed Him in an elegant robe and sent Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:11).

Exile and Later Life

Herod Antipas’s rule eventually ended in disgrace. His ambition led him to seek the title of king, a move that backfired when his nephew Herod Agrippa accused him of conspiracy against the Roman Emperor Caligula. As a result, Antipas was exiled to Gaul (modern-day France), where he spent the remainder of his life in obscurity.

Theological Themes

The story of Herod Antipas is rich with themes relevant to biblical theology:

1. Moral Accountability: Herod’s unlawful marriage and the resulting events highlight the consequences of immoral actions.
2. Fear of Public Opinion: His reluctance to kill John the Baptist due to fear of public backlash contrasts with his eventual capitulation to Herodias’s demands, illustrating the tension between personal conviction and external pressures.
3. Divine Justice: The downfall of Herod Antipas serves as a reminder of divine justice against those who act unrighteously.

Legacy and Impact

Herod Antipas is remembered largely for his role in the martyrdom of John the Baptist and his part in the trial of Jesus. These actions have made him a figure of infamy in Christian tradition. His story serves as a backdrop to the narratives of John and Jesus, emphasizing the tension and conflict between the emerging Christian message and the existing political powers.

Conclusion

Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, is a significant yet controversial figure in the New Testament. His actions, particularly the beheading of John the Baptist and his involvement in Jesus’ trial, highlight themes of moral accountability, fear of public opinion, and divine justice. His eventual exile underscores the transient nature of political power and the enduring impact of righteous and unrighteous actions.