Topical Encyclopedia Herod Antipas, a tetrarch of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus Christ, is a notable figure in the New Testament for his role in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. Known for his political cunning and moral weakness, Herod Antipas is often remembered for his scoffing attitude towards Jesus, which is emblematic of his broader spiritual indifference and moral ambiguity.Background and Historical Context Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great and ruled as tetrarch from 4 B.C. to A.D. 39. His reign was marked by political maneuvering and a desire to maintain favor with the Roman Empire. He is perhaps most infamously known for his involvement in the execution of John the Baptist, who had openly criticized Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife (Mark 6:17-29). Herod Antipas and Jesus Herod Antipas's encounter with Jesus is recorded in the Gospel of Luke. During the trial of Jesus, Pontius Pilate, upon learning that Jesus was a Galilean, sent Him to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at the time (Luke 23:6-7). Herod had long desired to see Jesus, hoping to witness a miracle performed by Him (Luke 23:8). However, when Jesus was brought before him, Herod's interest was not in seeking truth or justice but in satisfying his curiosity and amusement. Scoffing and Mockery Herod's interaction with Jesus is characterized by mockery and derision. Despite questioning Jesus at length, Herod received no answers, as Jesus remained silent before him (Luke 23:9). Frustrated and perhaps feeling slighted by Jesus' silence, Herod, along with his soldiers, treated Jesus with contempt. They mocked Him, dressing Him in a splendid robe, and sent Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:11). This act of scoffing was not merely a personal affront but a symbolic rejection of Jesus' messianic identity and mission. Spiritual Implications Herod Antipas's scoffing attitude towards Jesus reflects a deeper spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. Despite having the opportunity to encounter the truth in the person of Jesus Christ, Herod chose to ridicule rather than repent. His actions serve as a cautionary example of how worldly power and pride can lead to spiritual downfall. Herod's mockery of Jesus highlights the tragic irony of a ruler who, while seeking entertainment, missed the profound truth standing before him. Biblical References · Luke 23:6-11 : "When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased; for a long time he had wanted to see Him, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see Him perform a sign. Herod questioned Jesus at great length, but He 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 Antipas's role in the Passion narrative underscores the theme of scoffing as a rejection of divine truth. His actions serve as a reminder of the consequences of spiritual apathy and the importance of recognizing and responding to the truth of Christ. Nave's Topical Index Luke 23:11And Herod with his men of war set him at nothing, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. Nave's Topical Index Library The Morning of Good Friday. The Order of Thought which Surrounded the Development of Jesus. Resources Is God imaginary? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about false accusations? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that there will be scoffers in the last days? | GotQuestions.org Scoffing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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