Herod Antipas

*Herod Antipas’s story is told in Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9; 23:6-12

Who is Herod Antipas?

  1. Background
    • Son of Herod the Great and Malthace.
    • Brother to Archelaus and Philip, each having their own territories to govern.
    • Ruled Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. to 39 A.D.
  2. Role in the Bible
    • Mainly appears in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as the Book of Acts.
    • Most notable for his role in the execution of John the Baptist and his meeting with Jesus Christ before His crucifixion.

Strengths and Accomplishments

  1. Political Skill
    • Maintained control over Galilee and Perea for over four decades.
    • Managed complex relations with the Jewish religious leadership and the Roman authorities.
  2. Infrastructure Development
    • Following in his father’s footsteps, he was responsible for building projects like the city of Tiberias.
  3. Survival Instinct
    • Managed to survive and hold onto power amidst the treacherous political landscape of his time.

Weaknesses and Mistakes

  1. Moral Failings
    • Had an illicit affair with his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias, which led John the Baptist to condemn him publicly.
  2. Poor Judgement
    • Ordered the execution of John the Baptist to save face during a banquet, after being manipulated by Herodias and her daughter.
  3. Inaction and Indecision
    • When faced with Jesus Christ, who was brought to him by Pilate, he chose to mock Him rather than to take a definitive moral stance.

Lessons from His Life

  1. The Perils of Compromise
    • Herod Antipas serves as a cautionary tale about what happens when you compromise your morals for political or personal gain.
  2. Consequences of Abuse of Power
    • His abuse of authority had devastating impacts on others and eventually led to his downfall.
  3. The Importance of Moral Courage
    • Failing to take a moral stand in crucial moments can have disastrous consequences, both for individuals and those around them.

Key Verses (NIV Version)

  1. Matthew 14:3-10 – Details Herod’s arrest of John the Baptist and subsequent execution.
  2. Luke 23:6-12 – Describes Herod’s encounter with Jesus and how he mocked Him.
  3. Mark 6:17-29 – Offers another account of John the Baptist’s imprisonment and execution.