Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, is a significant figure who encounters the growing fame of Jesus Christ. Herod's reaction to Jesus' ministry is marked by a complex mixture of fear, curiosity, and guilt, reflecting his troubled conscience and the conviction he experiences upon hearing of Jesus' works.Herod's Background and Role Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great and ruled as tetrarch during the time of Jesus' ministry. Known for his political cunning and moral corruption, Herod Antipas is most infamous for his role in the execution of John the Baptist. John had openly criticized Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, which led to John's imprisonment and eventual beheading (Mark 6:17-29). Herod's Reaction to Jesus' Fame The Gospels record Herod's reaction upon hearing of Jesus' growing influence and miraculous works. In Matthew 14:1-2 , it is written: "At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus and said to his servants, 'This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.'" Herod's immediate association of Jesus with John the Baptist reveals his guilty conscience and fear that John, whom he had unjustly executed, had returned with divine power. Similarly, in Mark 6:14-16 , Herod's conviction is evident: "King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, 'John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.' Others said, 'He is Elijah,' and still others, 'He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.' But when Herod heard this, he said, 'John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!'" Herod's Inner Turmoil Herod's reaction to Jesus' fame is not merely political but deeply personal. His belief that Jesus might be John resurrected indicates a profound sense of guilt and fear of divine retribution. Herod's conscience is troubled by his past actions, and the reports of Jesus' miraculous deeds only serve to heighten his anxiety. This internal conflict is a testament to the power of conviction, as Herod is forced to confront the moral implications of his decisions. Herod's Encounter with Jesus Herod's curiosity about Jesus eventually leads to a direct encounter during the events of Jesus' trial. In Luke 23:8-9 , it is recorded: "When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had wanted to see Him. From what he had heard about Him, he hoped to see Him perform a sign of some sort. He questioned Him at great length, but Jesus gave no answer." Herod's desire to witness a miracle reflects his superficial interest in Jesus, yet Jesus' silence before Herod underscores the futility of Herod's quest for entertainment rather than truth. Conclusion Herod's interaction with the fame of Jesus serves as a poignant example of how conviction can manifest in the hearts of those who encounter the truth of Christ. Despite his power and authority, Herod is unable to escape the moral and spiritual implications of his actions, illustrating the enduring impact of Jesus' ministry on even the most hardened of hearts. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 14:2And said to his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. Nave's Topical Index Mark 6:14 Luke 9:7 Library The Nobleman's Son. The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... Herod and John the Baptist In Pilate's Judgment Hall The Second Sign in Galilee. The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood. The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagate the Gospel. The Doctrine of Jesus Christ. The Second visit to Cana - Cure of the Nobleman's' Son at ... Paul Before Festus and Agrippa. Resources What is the conviction of sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.org Why is it important to have personal convictions? | GotQuestions.org Conviction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conviction: Adam and Eve, After Their Disobedience Conviction: After Being Rebuked and Punished for Worshiping the Golden Calf Conviction: After Casting Jonah Into the Sea Conviction: After the Plague of Hail Conviction: At the Preaching of Jonah Conviction: Belshazzar, when he "Saw the Part of the Hand That Wrote" Conviction: Darius, when Daniel Was in the Lions' Den Conviction: David After the Pestilence Sent on Account of his Numbering the People Conviction: Felix, Under the Preaching of Paul Conviction: Herod, when he Heard of the Fame of Jesus Conviction: Jonah, in the Belly of the Great Fish Conviction: Joseph's Brother, on Account of Their Cruelty to Joseph Conviction: Judas, After his Betrayal of Jesus Conviction: Philippian Jailer, After the Earthquake Conviction: Saul of Tarsus, when he Saw Jesus on the Way to Damascus Conviction: Saul, After Sparing Agag and the Best of the Spoils Conviction: The Death of the Firstborn Conviction: The Death of the Ten Spies and Their Being Sentenced to Wander for Forty Years Conviction: The Plague of Locusts Conviction: Their Complaining Against God and Being Bitten by Fiery Serpents Conviction: Widow of Zarephath, when Her Son Died Related Terms |
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