According to the Bible, Blastus was the chamberlain of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:20), a mediator for the Sidonians and Tyrians,[1] and was believed to be involved in the events that led to Herod's death.

Biblical account

According to Acts 12:20, Herod was displeased with the people of Tyre and Sidon,[2] and forbade the export of food to them. As they were dependent on delivery of food from Judea, and Judea was affected by famine,[3] the Sidonians and Tyrians made Blastus "their friend" (possibly through bribery [4]). Blastus helped them obtain an audience with Herod.

Acts 12:23 states that Herod was struck dead by God when the people of Sidon and Tyre offered him worship.

Other contemporary accounts

The story of Herod's death is somewhat corroborated by the contemporary historian Josephus.[5] However, Josephus does not mention any involvement of Blastus.

See also

References

  1. ^ Elwell, Walter A; Comfort, Philip Wesley (2001). Tyndale Bible Dictionary. Tyndale House Publishers. p. 226. ISBN 978-0-8423-7089-9.
  2. ^ Orr, James; Hunter, S. F. (1939). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
  3. ^ Acts 11:28-29
  4. ^ Henry, Matthew; Williams, J. B. (1828). Exposition of the Old and New Testament, Volume 3. Towar. p. 806.; compare Gill, John, Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible http://biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/acts/12.htm accessed 1 September 2015
  5. ^ Brownrigg, Ronald (2001). Who's Who in the New Testament. Routledge. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-415-26036-7.
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