The Apostolic Age · AD 4–70 · External witness

Herod Antipas

exiled AD 39, d. thereafter · Tetrarch of Galilee · Executioner of the Baptist · Galilee → exile in Gaul

External witness

Who Herod Antipas was

Son of Herod the Great, ruler of Galilee through the whole ministry of Jesus — “that fox.” He beheaded John the Baptist for a dancing-girl’s oath and hoped to see Jesus work a sign when Pilate sent the prisoner over; “and Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him.” The first church’s prayer names him beside Pilate among the confederate powers (Acts 4:27). His bid for a royal title ended in exile to Gaul under Caligula — the fox outlived his cunning. Foster-brother of Manaen, teacher in the church at Antioch: the two nurseries of one palace.

Also listed in non-christian witnesses.

Common questions

When did Herod Antipas live?

Herod Antipas is dated exiled AD 39, d. thereafter in the archive, which places Herod Antipas in the Apostolic Age (AD 4–70).

Which early sources mention Herod Antipas?

Herod Antipas is named in 3 primary-source passages catalogued here, drawn from The praying church (per Luke), Flavius Josephus and Justin Martyr. Every passage is quoted from a named public-domain translation, earliest first.

Where was Herod Antipas from?

The archive associates Herod Antipas with Galilee, exile in Gaul. The sources record more than one location, so the places are listed in the order the record moves through them.

Who were Herod Antipas’ contemporaries?

The archive links Herod Antipas to 12 other figures, including Manaen, Pontius Pilate, Herod Agrippa I and John the Baptist. Each connection is drawn from a source that places them together, not from inference.

Scripture record

Primary-source mentions (3)

Every passage below is quoted from a named public-domain translation, earliest first.

Acts 4:27

c. AD 85

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.

The praying church (per Luke) · read ↗

Antiquities of the Jews 18.5.2 (the execution of the Baptist at Machaerus)

c. AD 93

Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, thought it best to put him to death... Accordingly he was sent a prisoner to Macherus.

Flavius Josephus · Antiquities 18.5.2 · source text