Archelaus, also spelled Archaelaus, was a significant historical figure in the early first century, known for his role as a ruler of Judaea. He was one of the sons of Herod the Great, the infamous king of Judea who reigned during the time of Jesus' birth. Archelaus' rule is noted in the context of the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew.

Background and Ascension to Power

Archelaus was born into the Herodian dynasty, a family known for its complex and often tumultuous political maneuvers. Upon the death of Herod the Great in 4 B.C., his kingdom was divided among his sons, as stipulated in his will. Archelaus was appointed ethnarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea, a title that granted him authority over these regions, though with less prestige than that of a king.

His ascension to power was marked by controversy and unrest. According to historical accounts, including those of the Jewish historian Josephus, Archelaus faced immediate challenges, including a significant uprising during the Passover festival, which he suppressed with considerable force, leading to the deaths of many.

Biblical Reference

Archelaus is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the early life of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, after the death of Herod the Great, Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus returned from Egypt. However, upon learning that Archelaus was ruling over Judea, Joseph was afraid to go there. Instead, he was divinely warned in a dream to withdraw to the region of Galilee, where they settled in the town of Nazareth. This account is found in Matthew 2:22-23 :

"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, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophets: 'He will be called a Nazarene.'"

Reputation and Downfall

Archelaus' rule was characterized by his harsh and often tyrannical governance, which led to widespread dissatisfaction among his subjects. His inability to maintain stability and his oppressive measures eventually led to complaints being lodged against him by the Jewish populace. In A.D. 6, after a decade of rule, these grievances reached the ears of the Roman Emperor Augustus, who subsequently deposed Archelaus and banished him to Gaul.

Legacy

Archelaus' removal marked the end of Herodian rule over Judea, as the region was then placed under direct Roman administration, becoming a Roman province governed by prefects and procurators. This shift in governance set the stage for the political climate during the ministry of Jesus and the early Christian church.

In summary, Archelaus' reign was a brief but turbulent period in Judean history, marked by his harsh rule and eventual deposition. His presence in the biblical narrative underscores the political instability of the time and the divine guidance that protected the Holy Family during their return from Egypt.Matthew 2:22
But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
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