Learn more about Archelaus

Introduction to Archelaus

Archelaus was a ruler of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea during the early Roman Empire. He was the son of Herod the Great and Malthace, a Samaritan woman, and inherited a portion of his father’s kingdom after Herod’s death in 4 BCE. Archelaus is mentioned briefly in the New Testament, and his rule is characterized by instability, cruelty, and eventual removal by the Romans. His reign significantly influenced the political and social landscape during the time of Jesus’ early life.

Archelaus Pronunciation

“Archelaus” is pronounced as ar-kuh-LAY-us, with emphasis on the third syllable.

Archelaus in the Bible

Archelaus in the Gospel of Matthew

Archelaus is mentioned in Matthew 2:22 in the context of Jesus’ early childhood. After Herod the Great’s death, Joseph was warned in a dream not to return to Judea because Archelaus was ruling there. Instead, Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Galilee, settling in Nazareth:

• Matthew 2:22: “But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee.”

Historical Rule

Archelaus ruled as ethnarch (a subordinate ruler) of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea from 4 BCE to 6 CE. His reign was marked by several significant events:

• Massacre at the Temple: Shortly after taking power, Archelaus quelled a revolt during Passover by killing 3,000 worshippers in the Temple, setting the tone for his oppressive rule.
• Incompetence and Cruelty: Archelaus’s harsh governance alienated both Jewish and Samaritan populations, leading to widespread unrest.
• Deposition by Rome: In 6 CE, complaints about Archelaus’s misrule prompted Emperor Augustus to depose him. He was exiled to Gaul (modern-day France), and Judea was placed under direct Roman administration, leading to the appointment of procurators like Pontius Pilate.

Archelaus in Biblical History and Context

Archelaus’s rule occurred during a critical period in Jewish history, shaping the political environment in which Jesus grew up. His removal and the subsequent Roman oversight of Judea intensified tensions between the Jewish population and their Roman rulers. This political backdrop influenced the dynamics of Jesus’ ministry and the events leading to His crucifixion.

Primary Related Scriptures

• Matthew 2:22: Mention of Archelaus’s rule prompting Joseph to settle in Galilee instead of Judea.

Theological Significance of Archelaus

Archelaus’s mention in the Gospel highlights God’s providential guidance in protecting Jesus during His early years. The avoidance of Judea due to Archelaus’s tyranny demonstrates the interplay of divine intervention and human political realities in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.

Related Terms and Meanings

- Herod the Great: Archelaus’s father, whose kingdom was divided among his sons. - Ethnarch: A title given to Archelaus, signifying his rule over a specific ethnic or regional group under Roman authority. - Galilee: The region where Joseph settled with Mary and Jesus, outside Archelaus’s jurisdiction.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Archelaus

- Archelaus’s name means “Ruler of the People,” though his reign was marked by widespread dissatisfaction. - His deposition marked the end of Herodian rule in Judea and the beginning of direct Roman governance. - The historian Josephus provides a detailed account of Archelaus’s reign in his works *Antiquities of the Jews* and *The Jewish War*. - Archelaus’s brutal suppression of uprisings foreshadowed the later tensions and revolts under Roman procurators. - The decision of Joseph to avoid Judea reflects the tangible impact of Archelaus’s reputation, even on ordinary families.