03.06.09 4 B.C. – A.D. 39 Herod Antipas, Tetrarch, Rules Over Galilee and Perea

Since Herod the Great’s title, “king of the Jews,” had caused a furor, his son Antipas was titled “ethnarch,” meaning “ruler of a nation” by Rome.^[1]  Herod Antipas, who is often referred to as “Herod” in the gospels,^[2] was known for his lavish lifestyle and deceitful manners.  He (Antipas, son of Cleopatra of Jerusalem) is at times confused with Herod Philip (son of Mariamne II).^[3]  The primary responsibility of Herod Antipas was to maintain the peace and forward the taxes from Galilee and Perea to Rome. He caused the death of John the Baptist and found Jesus innocent of Jewish accusations. Later, in A.D. 39, his wife Herodias convinced him to travel to Rome to request the rank of king.  No doubt, it came as a great surprise when Emperor Caligula instead, exiled him to Lyons in Gaul where he and Herodias eventually died.^[4]

[1]. Batey, Jesus and the Forgotten City. 52-53.

[2]. Mk. 6:14-29; Lk. 3:1; 13:31-35; 23:7-12.

[3]. Finegan, Chronology. 300; Josephus, Antiquities. 18.7.2.

[4]. Metzger, New Testament. 26.