SPECIAL TOPIC: HERODIANS
The Herodians were a distinct group of Hellenistic Jews, but not a political party, in first century Palestine derived from their association with the ruling family of Herod (see Josephus, Antiq. 14.15.6).
The Herods were an Idumaen (Edom) family of rulers starting with Herod the Great. At his death several of his sons divided his kingdom. All the Herods were supporters of the Roman government. Their followers wanted to keep the political status quo. They preferred the rule of the Herods to direct Roman rule. This group was strictly political. They did not officially identify with the theology of the Pharisees or Sadducees.
They were often depicted as enemies of Jesus, along with the Pharisees (cf. Matt. 22:16; Mark 3:6; 8:15; 12:13; Luke 13:31-32; Acts 4:27).
SPECIAL TOPIC: HEROD AND HIS FAMILY
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