Jesus lived under the rule of several members of the Herodian dynasty. Herod the Great was king of Judea when Jesus was born (Matthew 2:1). After Herod’s death, his kingdom was divided among his sons. This new blog post covers this topic in more detail.
Overview of the topic
Herod the Great was a client king under Rome, known for his cruelty and for his building projects. Additional info can be found here.
Who was the King in the Time of Jesus?
At Jesus’ birth, the king was Herod the Great: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1).
Herod the Great
Herod the Great ruled Judea as king from 37 BC until his death in 4 BC. Scripture identifies him as the king reigning when Jesus was born.
Herod Antipas
Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, ruled as tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39, during the years of Jesus’ public ministry. The Gospel of Luke records that during Jesus’ trial, Pilate sent Him to Herod Antipas because Jesus was under his jurisdiction, and that Herod was pleased to see Him, having wanted to for a long time (Luke 23:7-8). Herod Antipas was not executed; he was deposed by the emperor Caligula in AD 39 and sent into exile.
Archelaus
Archelaus, another son of Herod the Great, began reigning in Judea after his father’s death. Scripture records that Joseph was afraid to return there with Jesus and Mary because Archelaus was reigning in his father’s place (Matthew 2:22).
The Impact of the King on Jesus
The Herodian rulers shaped the political world Jesus was born and ministered into: Herod the Great at His birth, Herod Antipas during His ministry and at His trial, and Archelaus over Judea in the years between.
Summary
The king at the time of Jesus’ birth was Herod the Great. His son Herod Antipas was the ruler most directly involved in Jesus’ later ministry and trial.