Ar'etas, also known as Aretas IV Philopatris, was a Nabatean king who reigned from 9 BC to AD 40. He is most notably mentioned in the context of the New Testament, specifically in relation to the Apostle Paul. Ar'etas' influence extended over the region of Nabatea, which included parts of modern-day Jordan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. His reign is characterized by both political and economic prosperity, as well as significant interactions with the Roman Empire.

Biblical Reference:

Ar'etas is indirectly referenced in the New Testament in the context of Paul's early ministry. In 2 Corinthians 11:32-33, Paul recounts an incident in Damascus: "In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp." . This passage highlights the political tension and the extent of Ar'etas' influence, as Damascus was under his control at the time.

Historical Context:

Ar'etas IV came to power after the death of his predecessor, Obodas III. His reign is marked by a strategic alliance with the Roman Empire, although relations were not always stable. The marriage of his daughter, Phasaelis, to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was a significant political maneuver. However, when Herod Antipas divorced Phasaelis to marry Herodias, tensions escalated, leading to a military conflict between Ar'etas and Herod Antipas. This conflict is noted by the Jewish historian Josephus, who records that Ar'etas defeated Herod Antipas' forces, an event that some contemporaries saw as divine retribution for the execution of John the Baptist.

Cultural and Economic Influence:

Under Ar'etas IV, the Nabatean kingdom reached its zenith in terms of cultural and economic development. Petra, the capital city, became a thriving center of trade and culture, known for its impressive architecture and advanced water management systems. The Nabateans were skilled in commerce, controlling trade routes that facilitated the exchange of goods such as spices, incense, and textiles between the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean world.

Religious Significance:

While Ar'etas himself is not a central figure in Christian theology, his indirect involvement in the early Christian narrative through his connection to Paul provides insight into the geopolitical landscape of the time. The account of Paul's escape from Damascus underlines the challenges faced by early Christians and the broader socio-political dynamics that influenced the spread of the Gospel.

Ar'etas' reign, therefore, serves as a backdrop to the early Christian era, illustrating the complex interplay between emerging Christian communities and the established political powers of the region. His interactions with figures like Herod Antipas and the Apostle Paul highlight the intricate web of alliances and conflicts that characterized the first-century Near East.Ar'etas (1 Occurrence)

2 Corinthians 11:32
In Damascus the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of the Damascenes desiring to arrest me.
(See RSV)

Ar'etas (1 Occurrence)
Ar'etas. Aretas, Ar'etas. Argob . Multi-Version Concordance Ar'etas
(1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians 11:32 In Damascus the governor ...
/a/ar'etas.htm - 6k

Aretas (1 Occurrence)

/a/aretas.htm - 11k

Argob (6 Occurrences)

/a/argob.htm - 15k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus