Topical Encyclopedia The Throne of Herod Agrippa I refers to the seat of authority and governance held by Herod Agrippa I, a Judean monarch who reigned from AD 37 to 44. Herod Agrippa I was a grandson of Herod the Great and a member of the Herodian dynasty, which played a significant role in the political landscape of Judea during the time of the New Testament.Historical Context Herod Agrippa I was the son of Aristobulus IV and Berenice, and he was educated in Rome, where he developed close ties with the Roman imperial family. His ascent to power was marked by a series of political maneuvers and alliances, which eventually led to his appointment as king over various territories, including Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. His reign is noted for its relative stability and prosperity, as well as his efforts to maintain favor with both the Roman authorities and the Jewish populace. Biblical References The most notable biblical account of Herod Agrippa I is found in the Book of Acts. In Acts 12, Herod Agrippa I is depicted as a ruler who sought to persecute the early Christian church. He is described as having James, the brother of John, put to death by the sword (Acts 12:2). Furthermore, he arrested Peter with the intention of bringing him to public trial after the Passover (Acts 12:3-4). The narrative continues with a dramatic account of Peter's miraculous escape from prison, an event attributed to divine intervention (Acts 12:5-11). This episode highlights the tension between Herod Agrippa I's political ambitions and the burgeoning Christian movement. The Death of Herod Agrippa I Herod Agrippa I's demise is vividly described in Acts 12:20-23. The account details an incident in which Herod, adorned in royal apparel, delivered a public address to the people of Tyre and Sidon. The crowd, in an act of flattery, proclaimed, "This is the voice of a god, not a man!" (Acts 12:22). The text states that because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died (Acts 12:23). This event is often interpreted as a divine judgment against Herod's pride and his failure to acknowledge God's sovereignty. Archaeological and Historical Insights While the biblical account provides a theological perspective on Herod Agrippa I's reign and death, historical and archaeological sources offer additional insights. Coins minted during his reign, inscriptions, and other historical records corroborate his status as a client king under Roman authority. These sources also reflect his efforts to strengthen his rule through public works and the promotion of Hellenistic culture, alongside his adherence to Jewish customs to maintain favor with his subjects. Significance in Early Christianity Herod Agrippa I's interactions with the early Christian community underscore the challenges faced by the nascent church in its mission to spread the Gospel. His persecution of Christians, as recorded in Acts, serves as a backdrop to the divine protection and guidance experienced by the apostles. The account of his death further emphasizes the biblical theme of divine justice and the ultimate futility of opposing God's purposes. In summary, the Throne of Herod Agrippa I represents a complex period in Judean history, marked by political intrigue, cultural exchange, and the early struggles of the Christian church. His reign, as depicted in the New Testament, serves as a testament to the enduring conflict between earthly power and divine authority. Nave's Topical Index Acts 12:21And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne, and made an oration to them. Nave's Topical Index Library After the Death of Tiberius, Caius Appointed Agrippa King of the ... Agrippa, who was Also Called Herod, Having Persecuted the Apostles ... The Foundation of the Church. Paul's Sermon Before Felix The Acts of the Apostles. The Gospel. About the Time of Christ, in Accordance with Prophecy, the Rulers ... The Foundation of the Church among the Heathen One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ... Delivered from Prison Resources What does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Progressive Dispensationalism? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Throne: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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