Curiosity of Herod (Antipas), to See Jesus
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, is a figure of notable interest in the New Testament, particularly for his interactions and curiosity regarding Jesus of Nazareth. Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, ruled during the time of Jesus' ministry and played a significant role in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Herod's curiosity about Jesus is first mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. After hearing reports of Jesus' miraculous works and teachings, Herod expressed a desire to see Him. This curiosity was likely fueled by a mix of intrigue and superstition, as Herod was perplexed by the rumors that Jesus might be John the Baptist risen from the dead. Herod had previously ordered the beheading of John the Baptist, an act that weighed heavily on his conscience. Luke 9:9 states, "But Herod said, 'I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?' And he kept trying to see Him."

Herod's interest in Jesus is further highlighted during the trial of Jesus. When Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, Pilate, learning that Jesus was a Galilean, sent Him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time. Herod was pleased to finally see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle. However, Jesus remained silent and did not perform any signs, leading to Herod's mockery and eventual return of Jesus to Pilate. Luke 23:8-11 recounts this encounter: "When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had wanted to see Him, since he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a sign. He questioned Him at great length, but Jesus gave no answer. Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him. And Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a fine robe, they sent Him back to Pilate."

Herod's curiosity about Jesus reflects a superficial interest, driven by a desire for entertainment and spectacle rather than genuine faith or repentance. His failure to recognize Jesus' true identity and mission underscores a tragic spiritual blindness. Herod's encounter with Jesus serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of a hardened heart and the refusal to seek truth earnestly.

In summary, Herod Antipas' curiosity to see Jesus is a significant narrative in the Gospels, illustrating the contrast between worldly power and the humble, yet profound, mission of Jesus Christ. Herod's interactions with Jesus highlight the themes of curiosity, misunderstanding, and the ultimate rejection of the Messiah by those in positions of earthly authority.
Nave's Topical Index
Luke 9:9
And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 23:8
And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John.
... a 1 At that season ^b King Herod [Herod Antipas, son of ... the spirit world.] ^c And
he sought to see him ... of his nature (Luke 13:32), and Herod's curiosity was not ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxii herod antipas supposes jesus.htm

Herod
... Or did that restless religious curiosity, which afterwards desired to see Jesus,
lead Herod to consult ... Such a man should be warned by Herod Antipas. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 6 14-29 herod.htm

Jesus Sent to Herod.
... occurred to him to lay the case before Herod Antipas, tetrarch of ... Herod had for long
wished to see Jesus ... fame of the miracles inspired him with curiosity to see ...
/.../section 286 jesus sent to.htm

Persecutions of Herod Antipas. (Luke, xiii. , 31. )
... as possible, because the king, Herod Antipas, had resolved to ... Herod's previous conduct
certainly afforded no substantial ... been actuated by mere curiosity to see ...
/.../section 220 persecutions of herod.htm

Jesus and Herod
... successful, making use of her own daughter"not Antipas', but her ... his mind that Jesus
would gratify his curiosity, or could ... Such was Herod's estimate of Christ ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter v jesus and herod.htm

The Nobleman's Son.
... He was probably a king's officer of Herod Antipas, tetrarch of ... Except ye see signs
and wonders, ye will not ... It is a natural and pardonable curiosity that leads ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the noblemans son.htm

Reasons for the Journey.
... Herod Antipas, who then reigned in Galilee, hearing of the ... of Jesus, became personally
desirous to see him. ... wish was probably dictated by mere curiosity, or by ...
/.../section 179 reasons for the.htm

About the Time of Christ, in Accordance with Prophecy, the Rulers ...
... [95] In 63 bc, when Pompey's curiosity led him ... Malthace, a Samaritan woman, and younger
brother of Herod Antipas. ... and ruled by procurators until Herod Agrippa I ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi about the time of.htm

Christ's Discourses in Per??a - Close of the Per??an Ministry
... with Galilee, was the territory of Herod Antipas, as else ... grounds we can easily
understand that Herod should have ... 4730] not merely to gratify curiosity, nor in ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xx christs discourses in.htm

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
... Herod Antipas had cast John into prison because John had ... We learn elsewhere that
Herod felt kindly towards ... work miracles to gratify skeptical curiosity, but he ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlv the baptists inquiry and.htm

Resources
What is the Anglican Church, and what do Anglicans believe? | GotQuestions.org

Why do we celebrate Easter? | GotQuestions.org

What does Numbers 32:23 mean when it says, “Be sure your sin will find you out”? | GotQuestions.org

Curious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Curiosity

Curiosity of Abraham, to Know Whether God Would Destroy the Righteous People Who Lived in Sodom

Curiosity of Angels, to Look Into the Mysteries of Salvation

Curiosity of Daniel, to Know a Vision

Curiosity of Eve

Curiosity of Herod (Antipas), to See Jesus

Curiosity of Jacob, to Know the Name of the Angel

Curiosity of Manoah, to Know the Name of an Angel

Curiosity of the Athenians, to Hear some New Thing

Curiosity of the Babylonians, to See Hezekiah's Treasures

Curiosity of the Disciples, to Know Whether Jesus Would Restore the Kingdom of the Jews

Curiosity of the People of Beth-Shemish, to Look Inside the Ark of the Covenant

Curiosity: A Disciple, to Know If Few Would be Saved

Curiosity: And to See Jesus

Curiosity: General Scriptures Concerning

Curiosity: To Know What John Would be Appointed to Do

Curiosity: To Know What Was Being Done With Jesus

Curiosity: To See God

Curiosity: To See Lazarus, After he Was Raised from the Dead

Curiosity: To Witness the offering in the Holy of Holies

Curious

Related Terms

Kind (290 Occurrences)

Infirmity (22 Occurrences)

Proclaiming (63 Occurrences)

Cures (3 Occurrences)

Curious (18 Occurrences)

Jehoiachin (20 Occurrences)

Leprosy (51 Occurrences)

Throughout (291 Occurrences)

Tells (38 Occurrences)

Travelled (7 Occurrences)

Touch (82 Occurrences)

Towns (450 Occurrences)

Everywhere (53 Occurrences)

Continued (148 Occurrences)

Circuits (4 Occurrences)

Continually (180 Occurrences)

Specific (2 Occurrences)

Kindness (295 Occurrences)

Heal (62 Occurrences)

Acts (271 Occurrences)

Curiosity of Eve
Top of Page
Top of Page