The Herodian Dynasty

The Herods were a dynasty of Idumean (Edomite) rulers who governed Judea and neighboring territories under Rome from about 37 BC into the first Christian century. Several different Herods appear in the New Testament, and confusing them obscures the narrative; in fact the family spans the whole Gospel and Acts story — from the birth of Jesus under Herod the Great to Paul’s defense before Agrippa II (Acts 26:1–3). Ambitious builders and shrewd politicians, they repeatedly collided with God’s purposes and people.

The Herods of the New Testament

Herod the Great — king of Judea at Jesus’ birth, who massacred the infants of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).

Archelaus — son of Herod the Great over Judea, so feared that Joseph withdrew to Galilee (Matthew 2:22).

Herod Antipas — tetrarch of Galilee who beheaded John the Baptist and questioned Jesus at his trial (Mark 6:27; Luke 23:8–11).

Philip the Tetrarch — son of Herod who governed the northeastern districts (Luke 3:1).

Herod Agrippa I — grandson of Herod the Great who executed James and imprisoned Peter, then was struck down for accepting worship (Acts 12:1–23).

Herod Agrippa II — last of the Herods, before whom Paul made his defense at Caesarea (Acts 26:1–29).