How did King Herod know about Jesus?

Answer 1

In the second chapter of Matthew (The Gospel of), it is explained the King Herod (who was appointed by Rome, and was not a King of authentic Israeli heritage) called for "the wise men" who had come to follow up on a prophecy (actually several, concerning the birth of the Messiah, who was later known to be Jesus). The wise men (or some representatives) discussed the prophecies in some unknown limited scope. Herod may have followed up with others concerning the details of these prophecies. The orders to kill the infants were apparently contrived to assure the death of the Messiah, which of course we know simply failed. Obviously Herod believed in prophecy only as much as many modern skeptics, thinking he could bend their final outcome. Herod is mentioned in the other of the 3 synoptics (3 of the 4 Gospel accounts are called this due to much overlapping information, or perhaps more because the fourth Gospel is so distinct in its style). Herod's name does not appear in the Gospel of John.

Answer 2

Answer

In Luke's Gospel, King Herod did not know about the birth of Jesus, or at least was not interested in him. Shortly after the birth, the young family travelled to Jerusalem, Herod's capital, for the ritual purification of Mary, then returned peacefully to Nazareth.

In Matthew's Gospel, King Herod learnt about the birth of Jesus when the magi, following the star from the east, stopped to ask him where to find the child who was born to be king of the Jews.

Answer 3

In Luke's Gospel, King Herod showed no interest in Jesus. In fact Joseph and Mary took Jesus back from Bethlehem to Jerusalem for the Temple ritual, whereby Herod could easily have found Jesus had he wanted to, then returned peacefully to Nazareth. In Matthew's Gospel, the magi came to Jerusalem and told Herod that they were following a star to Jesus. Herod's chief priests and scribes said that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. The young family fled to Egypt, out of reach of King Herod.

Answer 4

According to Matthew's Gospel, King Herod feared that Jesus would be a rival for his throne, after the magi told him they were seeking the baby who would be king. This set the scene for the flight to Egypt and the Slaughter of the Innocents, allowing parallels to be drawn between Jesus and Moses.

Answer 5

The people in the court of Herod said it is according to the scriptures.