In brief
Herod Antipas, whom the Gospels simply call Herod the tetrarch, rules Galilee in the time of Jesus. Rebuked by John the Baptist over Herodias, his brother's wife, he shuts John up in prison. He likes to listen to him, but, bound by an oath at a feast, he has him beheaded. Later, he hears about Jesus and seeks to see him. At the trial, Pilate sends Jesus to him. Herod questions him, Jesus answers nothing, and Herod mocks him before sending him back to Pilate. His story shows a man who hears the truth without submitting to it.
What does the name Herod Antipas mean?
The name Herod is a Greek name, generally linked to the word hero, but the Bible does not explain it. The Gospels refer to this man simply by the name Herod and by his title: Herod the tetrarch (Luke 3:19, 9:7). The name Antipas is the one that history gives him.
The story of Herod Antipas
A tetrarch rebuked by John
Luke 3:19-20 and Mark 6:17-18Herod the tetrarch is rebuked by John the Baptist over Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things he had done. He adds to them all by shutting John up in prison. John had been telling him that it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife.
A feast and a head on a platter
Mark 6:19-29Herodias wanted to put John to death, but Herod feared him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. He listened to him gladly, though he was greatly perplexed. At his birthday feast, Herodias' daughter pleases the king, who promises her whatever she asks. At her mother's prompting, she asks for the head of John. Grieved, Herod does not dare refuse because of his oaths.
Curious about Jesus
Luke 9:7-9Herod the tetrarch hears of all that is happening and is perplexed. Some say that John has been raised from the dead, others that Elijah has appeared. Herod says he beheaded John, and wonders who this is of whom he hears such things. And he seeks to see him.
Jesus' silence before Herod
Luke 23:6-12Pilate learns that Jesus is a Galilean and sends him to Herod, who is in Jerusalem. Herod is very glad to see him, because he hopes to see a miracle. He questions him at length, but Jesus answers him nothing. Herod and his soldiers treat him with contempt and mock him, then send him back to Pilate. That day, Pilate and Herod become friends.
What Herod Antipas teaches us
- Listening to the truth with pleasure is not enough: Herod liked to hear John, but did not change his life.
- An oath taken lightly or out of fear of the guests can lead to a serious injustice.
- Curiosity about Jesus is not faith: Herod wanted a miracle, not a Savior.
- Jesus' silence before Herod shows that the truth is not given to those who despise it.
Key verses
Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly. Listening without obedience.
Herod questioned Jesus at some length, but Jesus made no answer. Jesus stays silent before the one who expects a spectacle and refuses to submit to him.
That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for before this they had been at enmity. Two powerful men agree on the day Jesus is judged, without recognizing him as king.
Sermons about Herod Antipas
Frequently asked questions
Who was Herod Antipas in the Bible?
Herod Antipas is the tetrarch of Galilee in the time of Jesus (Luke 3:19, 9:7). He has John the Baptist imprisoned and then beheaded (Mark 6:17-29). At the trial, Pilate sends Jesus to him, and Herod mocks Jesus before sending him back (Luke 23:6-12).
Is Herod Antipas the same as Herod the Great?
No. Herod the Great is the king of Judea at the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2). Herod Antipas is the one who governs Galilee later, in the time of the ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist. History presents him as a son of Herod the Great.
Where can I find the story of Herod Antipas in the Bible?
He is found in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 6, verses 14 to 29, for the death of John the Baptist, then in Luke 3:19-20, Luke 9:7-9 and above all Luke 23:6-12, where Jesus appears before him before being sent back to Pilate.