Which ruler of Galilee beheaded John the Baptist?

Answer 1

After the death of King Herod the Great, his kingdom was divided amongst his sons. Herod Antipas became the ruler of Galilee. According to the Gospels, Herod Antipas had John the Baptist beheaded at the capricious request of his daughter, during the time of Jesus in Galilee (Matthew 14:6-11; Mark 6:21-28).

However, we have one other source of information on John the Baptist. The Jewish historian Josephus said that Herod Antipas had the Baptist killed in quite different circumstances, because he disapproved of Antipas' marriage to his own brother's wife, who divorced her husband in order to marry Herod Antipas. The relevant text from Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews:

"Now many people came in crowds to him, for they were greatly moved by his words. Herod, who feared that the great influence John had over the masses might put them into his power and enable him to raise a rebellion (for they seemed ready to do anything he should advise), thought it best to put him to death. In this way, he might prevent any mischief John might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly John was sent as a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I already mentioned, and was put to death."

The marriage must have taken place after 34 CE and John's execution seems to have taken place in the year 36 CE, at least six years later than what is expected from the New Testament, and after the crucifixion of Jesus. But notice that the historian Josephus does not say whether or not John was beheaded, merely that he was put to death. Macherus is such a long distance from Galilee that it seems improbable that a message could be taken from Galilee to the prison and John's severed head taken back to Galilee while the party was still in progress. So, while it was certainly Antipas who had John put to death, the circumstances were very different and we can not say whether he was beheaded or executed in another manner.

Answer 2

Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great.