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Introduction to King Aretas IV

Aretas IV, a monarch whose reign extended from 9 B.C.E. to 40 C.E., emerges as a significant historical figure both in the biblical narrative and in secular records. His interactions with notable New Testament figures and involvement in the geopolitical dynamics of his time underscore his importance. This exploration draws upon diverse sources, including the Acts of the Apostles, the writings of Josephus, numismatic evidence (coins), archaeological discoveries, and inscriptions to illuminate the life and influence of Aretas IV.

Biblical Encounters with Aretas IV

Aretas IV is most notably mentioned in the New Testament in the context of the Apostle Paul’s dramatic escape from Damascus. Following his conversion, Paul faced persecution, necessitating his escape in a basket through an opening in the city’s wall, an event overseen by the governor under Aretas (Acts 9:23-25; 2 Corinthians 11:32, 33). This incident highlights Aretas’s control over Damascus during this period and his indirect role in the early Christian narrative.

2 Corinthians 11:32 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
32 In Damascus the ethnarch[1] under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes to seize me

[1] Generally, political leadership over a common ethnic group. In the Bible, the term “ethnarch,” meaning “the ruler of a nation,” is used to describe a specific kind of leader. The original Greek word, e·thnarʹkhes, which is translated as “governor” in some Bible verses, appears only once in the New Testament. This title indicates a position of authority that is below a king but above a tetrarch, who governs a smaller region or district (as noted in the ftn for Matthew 14:1, UASV). Although “ethnarch” has been used in different ways over time, in the context mentioned, it refers to a representative of King Aretas in Damascus. The nationality and precise duties of this governor aren’t clearly defined, leaving some room for interpretation about his role and the extent of his power.

Aretas IV and Herod Antipas: A Familial and Political Conflict

The historical conflict between Aretas IV and Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee, is rooted in both personal and political grievances. Aretas’s daughter’s marriage to Antipas and her subsequent divorce to facilitate Antipas’s union with Herodias led to a military confrontation, with Aretas’s forces achieving a decisive victory (Matthew 14:3, 4). This familial dispute, exacerbated by border conflicts, showcases the intertwined nature of personal relationships and political power in the ancient Near East.

Roman Intervention and Aretas’s Survival

The defeat of Herod Antipas by Aretas prompted Roman Emperor Tiberius to command Vitellius, the governor of Syria, to capture Aretas. However, Tiberius’s death in 37 C.E. and the subsequent change in Roman foreign policy under Emperor Caligula resulted in the cessation of the campaign against Aretas,

allowing him to maintain his rule over Damascus and illustrating the precarious nature of power and alliance in the Roman Empire.

Corroborating Evidence from Josephus and Archaeology

Josephus provides a detailed account of Aretas’s reign and his conflicts with Herod Antipas, offering valuable insight into the political landscape of the period. Additionally, numerous coins from Aretas’s reign, archaeological evidence from Petra—his capital—and several inscriptions referencing Aretas contribute to a comprehensive understanding of his rule and the Nabatean kingdom’s significance.

Josephus, First Century Jewish Historian

Josephus explains:

In the meantime, a quarrel, whose origin I shall relate, arose between Aretas, king of Petra, and Herod. The tetrarch Herod had taken the daughter of Aretas as his wife and had now been married to her for a long time.… Falling in love with Herodias … he brazenly broached to her the subject of marriage.… It was stipulated that he must oust the daughter of Aretas. (Jewish Antiquities 18.109–110)

Silver Coin Featuring King Aretas IV

This silver coin, produced around 21 C.E., prominently features the image of Arabian King Aretas IV on both sides. The coin carries an inscription, visible in part on the left side of the image, which fully translates to: “Aretas king of Nabataea, lover of his people.” Petra, the capital of the Nabataean kingdom, was situated in what is now Jordan, just south of the Dead Sea. Aretas’s rule spanned from approximately 9 B.C.E. to 40 C.E., and he is referenced in the Bible related to the Apostle Paul’s early missionary work in Damascus around 34-36 C.E. At this time, Damascus fell under Aretas IV’s influence in some capacity. The governor mentioned by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:32 likely acted as Aretas’s delegate in Damascus. Throughout his reign, Aretas produced a vast amount of silver and bronze currency, with numerous specimens discovered far beyond the borders of ancient Nabataea. These coins, bearing his name, serve as evidence that King Aretas was a real historical figure who lived during the time of the Apostle Paul.

The spectacular ruins of the city of Petra, carved into the cliffs of a canyon.

The Historical Footprint of Aretas IV

King Aretas IV’s reign is a testament to the complex interplay between biblical history and secular records, revealing a monarch who navigated the challenges of regional power dynamics, familial alliances, and Roman imperialism. His legacy, preserved through scriptural references, historical accounts, numismatic evidence, and archaeological discoveries, affirms the historical reality of biblical figures and their contemporaries, providing a rich tapestry of the ancient world’s political, social, and religious milieu.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).