Topical Encyclopedia Philip, often referred to as Herod Philip I, was a member of the Herodian dynasty, a ruling family in Judea during the time of the New Testament. He was the son of Herod the Great and his wife Mariamne II, making him a half-brother to Herod Antipas, who is more prominently featured in the Gospel narratives. Philip's life and relationships are intricately tied to the political and familial complexities of the Herodian dynasty.Family and Marriage to Herodias Philip's most notable connection in the biblical narrative is through his marriage to Herodias. Herodias was the daughter of Aristobulus IV, making her Philip's niece. This marriage is significant because Herodias later left Philip to marry his half-brother, Herod Antipas. This union between Herodias and Antipas is explicitly condemned in the New Testament by John the Baptist, as it was considered unlawful according to Jewish law. In the Gospel of Mark, John the Baptist boldly declares, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife" (Mark 6:18). Role in the New Testament While Philip himself does not play a direct role in the events of the New Testament, his marriage to Herodias sets the stage for the conflict between Herod Antipas and John the Baptist. Herodias's marriage to Antipas, while Philip was still alive, was a violation of Levitical law, which prohibited a man from marrying his brother's wife (Leviticus 18:16). This unlawful marriage becomes a focal point of John the Baptist's prophetic ministry, ultimately leading to his imprisonment and execution. Historical Context Philip's life and marriage must be understood within the broader context of the Herodian dynasty's political maneuvers. The Herodian family was known for its complex and often tumultuous relationships, driven by a desire for power and influence. Philip, like many of his relatives, was caught in the web of these familial and political intrigues. Distinction from Philip the Tetrarch It is important to distinguish Herod Philip I from Philip the Tetrarch, another son of Herod the Great, who ruled over the regions of Iturea and Trachonitis. Philip the Tetrarch is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke as part of the political landscape during the time of John the Baptist's ministry: "In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar...Philip tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis" (Luke 3:1). The two Philips are often confused due to their shared name and familial connections, but they held different roles and territories within the Herodian dynasty. Legacy Philip's legacy in the biblical narrative is largely overshadowed by the actions of his wife Herodias and his brother Herod Antipas. However, his marriage to Herodias and the subsequent events highlight the moral and legal challenges faced by the early followers of Jesus, as they navigated the complex interplay of Jewish law and Roman rule. The condemnation of Herodias's marriage to Antipas by John the Baptist serves as a testament to the prophetic call for righteousness and adherence to God's law, even in the face of political power. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 14:3For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. Nave's Topical Index Mark 6:17 Luke 3:19 Library Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John. Herod the Tetrarch Makes War with Aretas, the King of Arabia, and ... Testimonies in Regard to John the Baptist and Christ. The Gospel. The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... The King's Courts Jesus and Herod The Story of the Stranger at the Well Book 18 Footnotes The Foundation of the Church. Resources Who was Philip in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Gospel of Philip? | GotQuestions.org Who was Philip Melanchthon? | GotQuestions.org Philip: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Philip: Caught Away by the Spirit to Azotus, Preaches in the Cities, and Goes to Caesarea Philip: One of the Seven Servants (Greek: Diakonos) Philip: One of the Seven Servants (Greek: Diakonos): Has Four Daughters (Prophetesses) Philip: One of the Seven Servants (Greek: Diakonos): Lives at Caesarea, and Entertains Paul Philip: One of the Seven Servants (Greek: Diakonos): Successfully Preaches in Samaria Philip: One of the Seven Servants : Expounds the Scriptures to the Ethiopian Eunuch Whom he Immerses Philip: One of the Twelve Apostles Philip: One of the Twelve Apostles: Asks Jesus to Show the Father Philip: One of the Twelve Apostles: Brings Certain Greeks to Jesus Who Desire to See Him Philip: One of the Twelve Apostles: Brings Nathanael to Jesus Philip: One of the Twelve Apostles: Call of Philip: The Brother of Herod Antipas and the Husband of Herodias Related Terms |
    |