What Does the Bible Say about Herod Agrippa?
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Who was Herod Agrippa? Well, the name “Herod” was given to various rulers, probably because it meant “heroic.” It conveyed importance and was sometimes taken as a title by leaders who rose to power. The New Testament refers to three men named Herod, who each played an essential part in the history of early Christianity.
What does the Bible tell us about Herod Agrippa’s Family?
From Matthew 1 to Acts 26, several different Herods are mentioned. Herod the Great was “king of the Jews” when Jesus was born. He tried to have Jesus killed. Another man was Herod Antipas, who had John executed and sent Jesus back to Pilate. Herod Agrippa was the one who had Peter thrown in prison. Historical documents say Herod Agrippa was the father of Herod Agrippa II, and that Herod Agrippa was the last ruler with the royal title reigning over Judea.
Where Does the Bible Mention Herod Agrippa?
The book of Acts mentions King Herod Agrippa. He was one of the Roman-appointed rulers of the Herod dynasty. Herod Agrippa was the king of Judea from AD 41 to 44. He was born Marcus Julius Agrippa, named to honor a Roman statesman named Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. He was a nephew of Herod Antipas and grandson of Herod the Great. According to historians, Herod Agrippa was the son of Aristobulus IV and Berenice. After his father’s death, his grandfather sent him to the imperial court in Rome. In Rome, Herod Agrippa was educated alongside Drusus, the son of Tiberius.
Agrippa spent time in Rome and formed a friendship with Emperor Tiberius and future emperors Caligula and Claudius. These friendships were said to have helped him achieve his ruling position. Herod Agrippa was once arrested due to a debt he owed to the treasury of Caesar. He escaped, and his wife secured money for him to sail. At one point, he was put into prison for mentioning a desire for Tiberius’s death.
Historians share that Herod Agrippa had a track record of keeping the peace with his subjects. He had coins minted without a human figurehead or deity in deference to biblical commandments not to make graven images. At one point, Agrippa reportedly interceded on the Jewus’ behalf when Caligula was attempting to create his own statue in the Temple.
Herod Agrippa persecuted the church as a reason for keeping the peace: “It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.” (Acts 12:1-3 NIV).
Herod Agrippa and Peter
Herod Agrippa had James, the brother of John, put to death by the sword. The people approved, and he had Peter seized, also. Peter was kept in prison because Herod didn’t want to kill him during the Passover, which would be politically dangerous. There were squads of soldiers on guard to watch Peter. He was bound in chains, and sentries guarded the door. People prayed for Peter’s safety. The Lord intervened by sending His angel to rescue Peter from prison (Acts 12:5-17). While Peter slept and was bound by chains, a miraculous event occurred:
“The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.” (Acts 12:6-8 NIV)
Herod was angry that Peter could not be found:
“In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed.”( Acts 12:18-19 NIV)
Was Herod Agrippa Related to Herod the Great?
According to historians, Herod Agrippa was the grandson of Herod the Great. After his father’s execution, young Herod Agrippa was sent to his grandfather, known for colossal building projects such as the renovation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Herod the Great was the king who ordered children to be slaughtered because he learned that the Messiah was born in Bethlehem. After Herod the Great died, the Romans divided his territory into four sections. His sons (Herod Archelaus, Herod Antipas, Philip the Tetrarch) and his daughter (Salome I) each ruled over a section. When Philip died, Herod Agrippa took over his part of the territory.
Was Herod Agrippa Related to Herod Antipas?
Herod Antipas was born 21 BCE and died 39 CE. He was the son of Herod the Great. Herod Antipas was the uncle of Herod Agrippa. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is reported as referring to him as “that fox.”
“He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day, I will reach my goal.’ (Luke 13:32 NIV)
As noted above, Herod Antipas inherited part of his father’s kingdom. When he became ruler, Herod Antipas restored part of two towns but also did something scandalous. Herod Antipas divorced his wife to marry Herodias, who was once the wife of his half-brother. John the Baptist criticized Herod for the marriage. Herodias talked her husband into putting John the Baptist in prison. Then, using her daughter as a ploy when she danced at Herod Antipas’ birthday feast, Herodias asked for the head of John (Mark 6:21-25). Herod Antipas didn’t want to honor the request, but he promised in front of his nobles to give Herodias' daughter whatever she requested. So, Herod Antipas had the plan carried out (Matthew 14:9-12).
Later, Pilate had Jesus sent to Herod Antipas because he was the ruler over Galilee (Luke 23:6-7). Herod Antipas had wanted to see Jesus because he thought Jesus might be John the Baptist come back to life (Matthew 14:2), but wasn’t impressed with Jesus when he appeared. After mocking Jesus, Herod Antipas sent him back to Pilate (Luke 23:8-12).
Why Did the Angel Strike Herod Agrippa?
Herod Agrippa died in Caesarea. Herod Agrippa had games performed in honor of Claudius. He had been arguing with the people of Sidon and Tyre. They wanted to speak with him. After speaking with one of his trusted servants named Blastus, the people asked for peace because of their dependence on the king’s country for their food supply. Herod wore his royal robes, sat on his stately throne, and gave the people a dramatic speech. Some Biblical scholars claim Herod Agrippa saw an owl perched over his head when he did not publicly react to the people saying he was a god. Some historians note this could have been a warning that he would die. As he spoke, there were shouts from the crowd saying, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.”
Herod did not give praise to God, and an angel of the Lord struck him down. He was then eaten by worms and died (Acts 12:20-23). Some biblical scholars say the worms gave him a stomach ache for five days, then he died. Whether he died suddenly or a prolonged amount of time, he was struck down by an angel of the Lord and died. Herod Agrippa’s fate shows us what can happen when we try to take the glory away from God and focus on ourselves.
The word of God continued to grow after Herod Agrippa died. Reading Scripture and learning about Herod Agrippa can remind us to worship God and not people.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/anthonyjhall
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul.
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