Topical Encyclopedia The Herodians were a political group in Judea during the time of Jesus, known for their support of the Herodian dynasty, which was established by Herod the Great. This dynasty was closely aligned with Roman interests, and the Herodians were likely advocates for the policies and governance of the Herodian rulers, who were seen as puppet kings under Roman authority. The Herodians are mentioned in the New Testament in the context of their interactions with Jesus, particularly in their attempts to challenge and entrap Him.Biblical Context and Interaction with Jesus The Herodians are specifically mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. They are often seen collaborating with the Pharisees, despite the two groups having differing ideologies and objectives. This unlikely alliance was formed out of a mutual interest in opposing Jesus, whose teachings and growing influence threatened both their political and religious standings. In Matthew 22:15-16 , the Herodians join forces with the Pharisees to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar: "Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words. They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. 'Teacher,' they said, 'we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You do not show partiality.'" This question was a cunning attempt to place Jesus in a dilemma. If He opposed paying taxes to Caesar, He could be reported to the Roman authorities as a rebel. If He supported the tax, He might lose favor with the Jewish people, who resented Roman rule. Jesus, however, responded with wisdom, saying, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" (Matthew 22:21), thus evading their trap and astonishing His questioners. Similarly, in Mark 12:13 , the Herodians are again seen collaborating with the Pharisees: "Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch Jesus in His words." This passage highlights the persistent efforts of the Herodians to undermine Jesus' authority and influence. Theological Implications The Herodians' attempts to entangle Jesus reflect the broader theme of opposition to His ministry. Their actions demonstrate the political and religious tensions of the time, as various groups sought to maintain their power and influence in the face of Jesus' revolutionary teachings. The Herodians, with their political motivations, represent the worldly concerns that often conflict with the spiritual truths Jesus proclaimed. The alliance between the Herodians and the Pharisees underscores the extent of the threat Jesus posed to the established order. Despite their differences, these groups were united in their desire to discredit and ultimately eliminate Jesus. Their failure to do so, as seen in the Gospel accounts, highlights the divine wisdom and authority of Jesus, who consistently outmaneuvered His adversaries with truth and insight. Historical and Cultural Background The Herodians' support for the Herodian dynasty suggests they were likely in favor of Hellenistic influences and Roman governance, which were characteristic of Herod the Great's rule. This alignment with Roman authority would have put them at odds with the more nationalistic and religiously zealous factions within Judea, such as the Pharisees and Zealots, who longed for Jewish independence and adherence to traditional Jewish laws. The Herodians' political stance would have made them particularly sensitive to any movement that threatened the status quo, including the growing popularity of Jesus, whose message of the Kingdom of God challenged both religious and political authorities. Their involvement in the plots against Jesus illustrates the complex interplay of politics and religion in first-century Judea, as well as the lengths to which Jesus' opponents would go to protect their interests. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 22:16And they sent out to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God in truth, neither care you for any man: for you regard not the person of men. Nave's Topical Index Mark 12:13 Library The Tables Turned: the Questioners Questioned The Manner in which Christ Served. The Final Controversies in Jerusalem Resources What does it mean that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath? | GotQuestions.orgNew Testament Groups ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian pay into Social Security and/or accept Social Security payments? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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