Archelaus was a significant historical figure mentioned in the context of the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew. He was the son of Herod the Great and Malthace, a Samaritan woman. Archelaus is most notably recognized for his role as the ethnarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea following the death of his father, Herod the Great, in 4 B.C.

Biblical Reference:

Archelaus is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew in connection with the early life of Jesus Christ. After the death of Herod the Great, Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus returned from Egypt. However, upon learning that Archelaus was reigning in Judea, Joseph was divinely warned in a dream to avoid the region. As a result, the family settled in the district of Galilee, in the town of Nazareth. The relevant passage is found in Matthew 2:22 : "But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee."

Historical Context:

Archelaus's reign was marked by turbulence and dissatisfaction among his subjects. Known for his tyrannical and oppressive rule, he inherited a kingdom fraught with political instability. His harsh governance led to widespread discontent, and he was eventually deposed by the Roman Emperor Augustus in A.D. 6. Following his removal, Judea was annexed as a Roman province and placed under the administration of Roman prefects, one of whom was Pontius Pilate, who later played a pivotal role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

Significance:

The mention of Archelaus in the Gospel of Matthew serves to highlight the political climate of the time and the divine protection over the Holy Family. The decision to settle in Galilee, rather than Judea, fulfilled the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23). Archelaus's rule and subsequent deposition also set the stage for the Roman governance that would dominate the region during the life and ministry of Jesus.

Archelaus in Historical Records:

Beyond the biblical account, Archelaus is also mentioned by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus in his works "Antiquities of the Jews" and "The Jewish War." Josephus provides additional details about Archelaus's character and reign, describing his brutal suppression of a Jewish uprising during Passover and his eventual exile to Gaul by the Romans.

Archelaus's legacy is one of a ruler whose actions inadvertently contributed to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and the shaping of the historical and political landscape into which Jesus was born and carried out His earthly ministry.Archelatus

A son of Herod the Great, by his Samaritan wife Malthace. He was educated with his brother Antipas at Rome, and after his father's death was placed over Judea, Idumea, and Samaria, (the cities Gaza, and Hippo excepted,) with the title of ethnarch or tetrarch; whence he is said to reign, Matthew 2:22. This passage implies that he inherited the tyrannical and cruel disposition of his father; and history informs us that after enjoying his power for ten years, he was accused before the emperor on account of his cruelties, and banished to Vienne on the Rhone, in Gaul, where he died.

Who was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.org

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