Topical Encyclopedia The term "tetrarch" originates from the Greek word "tetrarchēs," meaning "ruler of a quarter." In the context of the Roman Empire, a tetrarch was a governor or ruler of one of four divisions of a country or province. This title was not limited to exactly one-fourth of a region but was used more generally to denote a subordinate ruler or a prince of a smaller territory within the larger Roman dominion.In the New Testament, the title "tetrarch" is most notably associated with Herod Antipas, one of the sons of Herod the Great. Herod the Great, upon his death, divided his kingdom among his sons, and Herod Antipas was made tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. This division of Herod's kingdom was sanctioned by the Roman authorities, reflecting the Roman practice of utilizing local rulers to maintain control over their vast empire. Herod Antipas is a significant figure in the Gospels. He is mentioned in the context of the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Herod Antipas is referred to as a tetrarch: "At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus" (Matthew 14:1). Herod's role as tetrarch is further highlighted in his interactions with John the Baptist. Herod had John imprisoned and eventually executed, as recorded in Matthew 14:3-12 and Mark 6:17-29, due to John's condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. Herod Antipas also appears in the narrative of Jesus' trial. In the Gospel of Luke, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, sends Jesus to Herod Antipas upon learning that Jesus was a Galilean, thus under Herod's jurisdiction: "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" (Luke 23:6-7). Herod, curious about Jesus, hoped to see Him perform a miracle, but Jesus remained silent, and Herod, after mocking Him, sent Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:8-11). The title of tetrarch is also associated with other rulers in the New Testament. Herod Philip, another son of Herod the Great, is referred to as a tetrarch of the region of Iturea and Trachonitis (Luke 3:1). This highlights the division of Herod the Great's kingdom and the Roman practice of appointing local rulers to govern specific territories. The role of a tetrarch in the Roman Empire was both political and administrative. Tetrarchs were responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and ensuring loyalty to Rome. They often had to navigate complex relationships with both the Roman authorities and the local populations they governed. In the case of Herod Antipas, his rule was marked by political maneuvering and a desire to maintain favor with Rome, as evidenced by his building projects and his participation in the political events of the time. In summary, the title of tetrarch in the New Testament context refers to a ruler of a specific region under Roman authority. Herod Antipas, as a tetrarch, played a significant role in the events surrounding the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, illustrating the intersection of Roman political structures and the unfolding of biblical history. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 14:1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, Nave's Topical Index Library Second Stage of the Roman Trial. Jesus Before Herod Antipas. John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. The Historical Situation Delivered from Prison Book 15 Footnotes Paul Before the Council. The Avenging of the Saviour. In Pilate's Judgment Hall The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem. The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ... Resources Who was Herodias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.org Are there beheadings recorded in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Tetrarch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |