Blastus

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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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

References[edit]

  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.