Herod Philip, often called Philip the Tetrarch, was another son of Herod the Great. When his father’s kingdom was divided in 4 BC, Philip was given control of territories northeast of the Sea of Galilee, including Iturea and Trachonitis. He ruled at the same time as his brothers Archelaus and Antipas, each governing a portion … Read more
Herod Antipas was another of the many sons of Herod the Great. When his father’s kingdom was divided after his death, Antipas was given control of Galilee to the north and Perea to the east of Judea. Like his brothers Archelaus and Philip, Antipas ruled simultaneously over his portion of the divided kingdom under Roman … Read more
Herod Archelaus was one of the very many whole-lotta sons of Herod the Great. When his father died in 4BC, the kingdom was divided among several of his sons, who ruled their territories simultaneously. Archelaus was given control of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. Unlike his father, Archelaus did not hold the title of “King” but … Read more
Herod the Great ruled Judea from about 37 BC to 4 BC under Roman authority. Though remembered in the New Testament for ordering the Massacre of the Innocents after the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2) he was also known for massive building projects. Most famously, he greatly expanded the Second Temple in Jerusalem, turning it … Read more
What do you do when everyone around you is nodding along with something you know good and well is not true? Speaking up will make the whole room turn on you. Do you have the courage to speak up? Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem accused of blasphemy, surrounded by leaders who had already … Read more
Saul of Tarsus thought he was doing God’s work. He hunted Christians, dragged them out of their homes, and approved gleefully when the were put to death. Then on the road to Damascus, everything changed. A blinding light stunned him and the voice of Jesus confronted him directly. The man who once tried to destroy … Read more