Herod Antipas
The Tetrarch Who Feared John and Mocked Jesus
Name Information
- Meaning: Herod = 'Heroic'; Antipas = 'Like the father' (Greek)
- Language of Origin: Greek
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Herod Antipas was a son of Herod the Great and ruled Galilee and Perea during Jesus’ ministry. Though intrigued by spiritual matters, he was morally weak, politically calculating, and spiritually compromised. He had John the Baptist imprisoned and beheaded, and later mocked Jesus during His trial. Herod's life serves as a warning of what happens when curiosity about truth is not matched with repentance.
⏰ 4 BC – AD 39 (rule as tetrarch)
Roles
- Tetrarch
- Persecutor
- Political Figure
Story
Married Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, in violation of Jewish law.
John the Baptist rebuked him for this unlawful marriage, and Herod had him arrested.
Though conflicted, Herod had John beheaded after being manipulated by Herodias' daughter during a banquet.
Later heard of Jesus’ miracles and feared that John had risen from the dead (Mark 6:14).
Mocked Jesus when He was brought to him by Pilate, dressed Him in a robe, and sent Him back without judgment.
Became friends with Pilate that same day — a political alliance formed around the trial of Jesus.
Spiritual Significance
- Ruler of Galilee and Perea during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus.
- Feared and admired John the Baptist but had him imprisoned and eventually beheaded.
- Mocked Jesus and treated Him with contempt during His trial, then sent Him back to Pilate.
- Played a key role in the political theater leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.
- Warned by Jesus, who called him 'that fox' — symbolizing cunning and deceit (Luke 13:32).
Christ Connection
Herod’s role in the death of both John the Baptist and Jesus highlights the world's rejection of God’s messengers.
His mocking of Jesus fulfills prophecy about the suffering Messiah (Isaiah 53:3).
Jesus remained silent before Herod, a picture of the Lamb before His shearers — bearing shame without retaliation (Isaiah 53:7).
What We Can Learn
- Worldly curiosity about spiritual things is not the same as true repentance.
- Fear of man and lust for power can silence the voice of conviction.
- Those who reject God’s messengers often harden their hearts further over time.
- Being near truth is not enough — we must respond in obedience and humility.
Memory Verses
He added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.
— Luke 3:20He questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.
— Luke 23:9
Key Passages
- Luke 3:1–20
- Mark 6:14–29
- Luke 13:31–33
- Luke 23:6–12
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