Chuza: Herod's Steward
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Chuza is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. He is identified as the steward of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee during the time of Jesus' ministry. The role of a steward in the ancient world was significant, as it involved managing the household and affairs of a wealthy or noble individual. In this context, Chuza would have been responsible for overseeing the domestic and financial matters of Herod's estate.

Biblical Reference

Chuza is mentioned in Luke 8:3, which provides insight into his household and its connection to Jesus' ministry. The verse states: "Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, Susanna, and many others were supporting them out of their own means." This passage highlights the involvement of Chuza's wife, Joanna, in supporting Jesus and His disciples. Joanna is noted as one of the women who provided for Jesus' ministry, indicating that Chuza's household was likely one of means and influence.

Historical and Cultural Context

Herod Antipas, whom Chuza served, was a son of Herod the Great and ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39. His reign is marked by political maneuvering and interactions with key figures of the New Testament, including John the Baptist and Jesus. As Herod's steward, Chuza would have been a trusted official, managing the day-to-day operations of Herod's properties and possibly involved in political and social events of the time.

Joanna's Role and Influence

Joanna, Chuza's wife, is a significant figure in the New Testament. Her support of Jesus' ministry, as mentioned in Luke 8:3, suggests that she was a woman of faith and dedication. Her involvement indicates that Chuza's household was open to the teachings of Jesus, despite Chuza's position in Herod's service. Joanna is also mentioned in Luke 24:10 as one of the women who reported the resurrection of Jesus to the apostles, further underscoring her important role in the early Christian community.

Theological Implications

The mention of Chuza and his household in the Gospel of Luke provides a glimpse into the diverse backgrounds of those who followed and supported Jesus. It illustrates that the message of Jesus reached individuals across different social strata, including those within the political sphere of Herod's court. The support from Chuza's household, through Joanna, exemplifies the transformative impact of Jesus' ministry, drawing people from various walks of life to contribute to the spread of the Gospel.

Conclusion

While Chuza himself is not a central figure in the New Testament narrative, his connection to Joanna and Herod's court offers valuable insights into the socio-political landscape of the time and the widespread appeal of Jesus' message. His household's support of Jesus' ministry highlights the reach and influence of the early Christian movement, transcending social and political boundaries.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 8:3
And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered to him of their substance.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek
2489. Ioanna -- Joanan, an Israelite
... Transliteration: Ioanna Phonetic Spelling: (ee-o-an'-nah) Short Definition: Joanna
Definition: (Hebrew), Joanna, Johanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2489.htm - 5k
Library

The Ministry of Women
... whom went seven devils, 3. And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna,
and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance.' "Luke 8 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the ministry of women.htm

The Nobleman's Son.
... family. He may have been Chuza, Herod's steward (Luke 8:3), but this is pure
conjecture. This man seems to have been a Jew.""Alford. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the noblemans son.htm

Which Thing Whoso Thinks Cannot have Been done by the Apostles...
... of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who is called Magdalene, out of whom seven
devils had gone forth, and Joanna wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 6 which thing whoso.htm

Then Answered Certain of the Scribes and Pharisees, that they ...
... had cast out seven devils, [1165] and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward,
and Susanna, and many others, who were ministering to them of their substance. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xvi then answered certain.htm

Preface
... I have little doubt that Mary Magdalene and Salome, and Susanna, and Joanna the
wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, formed part of the company (Luke 8:2-3). And ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/preface.htm

The Ministry of Love, the Blasphemy of Hatred, and the Mistakes of ...
... She was the wife of Chuza, Herod's Steward [2753] - possibly, though not likely,
the Court-official whose son Jesus had healed by the word spoken in Cana. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxii the ministry of.htm

The Second visit to Cana - Cure of the Nobleman's' Son at ...
... Whether this royal officer' was Chuza, Herod's steward, whose wife, under the abiding
impression of this miracle to her child, afterwards humbly, gratefully ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the second visit.htm

The Gospel of Luke
... been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom
went seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of luke.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Jezreel, Plain of, i.145. Joanna, wife of Chuza, ministers to Christ, i.572, 573. ...
Matthias, R., executed by Herod, i.217, 218. ... the unjust steward, 266-274; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Resources
Who was Joanna in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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