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Archelaus

അർക്കെലയൊസ്

“Ruler of the people”

In the readings on 1 Sunday so far.

At a glance

In Malayalam
അർക്കെലയൊസ്
What the name means
“Ruler of the people”
In the readings
1 Sunday, 27 December 2026
Gospel passages
Matthew 2:9–15, 19–23

Name meanings and role notes are drafted with each edition and waiting for review by a priest or editor.

The life of Archelaus

Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, who ruled Judea after his father. Because of him Joseph did not settle in Judea on the return from Egypt, but went to Nazareth in Galilee.

Born
Son of Herod the Great and his wife Malthace HistoryJosephus, Antiquities 17.1.3
Died
Removed by Augustus in AD 6 and banished to Vienne in Gaul; Judea then came under Roman governors HistoryJosephus, Antiquities 17.13.2
Family
  • Father: Herod the Great ScriptureMatthew 2:22

  1. On Herod’s death in 4 BC he becomes ruler (ethnarch) of Judea, Samaria and Idumea, under the emperor Augustus.

    HistoryJosephus, Antiquities 17.11.4

  2. Hearing that Archelaus reigns in Judea, Joseph is afraid to go there and, warned in a dream, withdraws to Galilee.

    ScriptureMatthew 2:22–23

  3. His rule is harsh; a delegation of Jews and Samaritans complains to Rome.

    HistoryJosephus, Antiquities 17.13.2

Read it in the Bible

  • Matthew 2:19–23 The return from Egypt

Sources: The Holy Bible (World English Bible); Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 17.

Drafted from the Bible and Church tradition. Each line says where it comes from; anything marked Tradition or History is not in Scripture itself. Waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Sundays with Archelaus

  1. First Sunday after Christmas

    Gospel: Matthew 2:9–15, 19–23

    Herod’s son, who ruled Judea after him and was as cruel as his father.

Also in these readings

Everyone in the readings