Herodians were Jews of influence and standing who were favorable toward Greek customs and Roman law in New Testament times. Herod Agrippa II happened to be the last of the Herodians to rule over the Jews. He lived for 50 years (AD 50 to AD 100) and was 17 years old when he was set as ruler over the Jewish people. The Herodians were the ruling class of Jews who were pro-Rome. Because of that affiliation with Rome, the Herodians were appointed as rulers over the Jewish peoples who lived in Rome or on its borders.
The godfather of the Herodian clan was Herod the Great, the king when Jesus was born and one who tried to have Him killed (Matthew 2). Herod Antipas ruled during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. He is the one who had John executed (Mark 6) and sat in judgment at one of Jesus’ trials (Luke 23:7–12). Herod Agrippa I was king of Judea for a few years and the one who had James executed. His death is recorded in Acts 12. The only reference to Agrippa II in the New Testament occurs in Acts 25:13 - Acts 26:32, which deals with Paul’s imprisonment in Caesarea. Agrippa listened to Paul’s defense, but the apostle appealed to Rome since while he was a Jew, he was also a Roman citizen. Paul appealed his case to be before Caesar, the Emperor of Rome. Because of this appeal Agrippa could do nothing for him, even though after hearing Paul’s defense he was prepared to release the apostle as an innocent man.
During Paul’s defense Agrippa heard the gospel. The ruler found it humorous that Paul was trying to convert him to Christianity. So Agrippa II actually heard the word of God presented and made the conscious choice to not respond. This would end up being a tragic mistake. When a person hears the gospel preached and chooses not to accept the message or take it seriously by consciously rejecting it, they are rejecting their only ticket to eternal life in God’s heaven. The entire Herodian clan had some contact with Jesus, his disciples, and the word of God itself and every one of them rejected God’s forgiveness for sin. That’s difficult to fathom, but it’s true.
Up next is the Book of Romans. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; https://www.gotquestions.org/Herod-Agrippa-II.htm; Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
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