Topical Bible: Galilee: Jurisdiction of, Granted to Herod by the Romans

◄ Galilee: Jurisdiction of, Granted to Herod by the Romans ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Historical Context

Galilee, a region in ancient Israel, holds significant historical and biblical importance. During the time of the New Testament, Galilee was under Roman rule, and its governance was a matter of political maneuvering and imperial strategy. The Romans, known for their administrative acumen, often appointed local rulers to manage different regions of their vast empire, ensuring control while maintaining a semblance of local governance.

Herod the Great and Roman Authority

Herod the Great, a pivotal figure in the history of Galilee, was appointed as the king of Judea by the Roman Senate in 37 BC. His reign was marked by significant building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Herod's relationship with Rome was one of mutual benefit; he maintained order and paid tribute, while Rome provided him with military support and political backing.

The jurisdiction of Galilee was granted to Herod as part of his broader rule over Judea. This appointment was not merely a gesture of goodwill but a strategic decision by the Romans to ensure stability in a region known for its diverse population and potential for unrest. Herod's rule over Galilee is noted for its economic development and the construction of cities such as Tiberias, which became a significant urban center.

Biblical Significance

Galilee is frequently mentioned in the New Testament, serving as the backdrop for much of Jesus Christ's ministry. The Gospels highlight Galilee as a region where Jesus performed miracles, taught in synagogues, and called His first disciples. The Berean Standard Bible provides numerous references to Galilee, underscoring its importance in the life and ministry of Jesus. For instance, Matthew 4:23 states, "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people."

The region's diverse population, including Jews and Gentiles, made it a fitting location for the message of the Kingdom of God, which transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries. Galilee's role as a crossroads of trade and culture further amplified the reach of Jesus' teachings.

Herod Antipas and the Continued Roman Influence

After Herod the Great's death in 4 BC, his kingdom was divided among his sons. Herod Antipas, one of his sons, became the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. His rule, which lasted until AD 39, continued under the auspices of Roman authority. Herod Antipas is perhaps best known in the biblical narrative for his role in the execution of John the Baptist, as recorded in Mark 6:17-29 .

Herod Antipas' governance of Galilee was characterized by a continuation of his father's policies, maintaining Roman favor while managing local affairs. His construction of the city of Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee further exemplified the Roman influence in the region.

Conclusion

The jurisdiction of Galilee, granted to Herod by the Romans, played a crucial role in the historical and biblical landscape of the time. Under Roman oversight, Herod and his successors managed a region that would become central to the narrative of the New Testament, serving as the stage for the ministry of Jesus Christ and the early spread of the Christian faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 3:1
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 23:6,7
When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... success, to arrogate to itself civil jurisdiction, at least ... leave it till the Almighty
had granted rain, and ... that Herod, as Governor of Galilee, appointed by a ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

After what Manner Upon the Death of Claudius, Nero Succeeded in ...
... on Agrippa a certain part of Galilee, Tiberias, and Tarichae ... 18] and ordered them
to submit to his jurisdiction. ... This was granted them in order to gratify Poppea ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 after what manner.htm

The Morning of Good Friday.
... after the Roman guard had been granted, Pilate had ... these confused cries, he caught
the name Galilee as the ... and therefore belonged to the jurisdiction of King ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv the morning of.htm

The Doctrine
... and of the other: for take this for granted, he that ... by the law, and by the works
thereof" (Romans 9:30 ... law are within the compass and the jurisdiction of that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm