Agrippa I

Agrippa I was imprisoned by Emperor Tiberius after making a remark interpreted as wishing for Tiberius's death. He was held in chains for six months until Tiberius's death in 37 AD, when he was released by the new emperor Caligula, who granted him territories.

Upon his release from prison, Emperor Caligula appointed Agrippa I as king of the territories formerly held by his uncle Philip (Batanea, Trachonitis, and Gaulanitis). In 39 AD, Caligula added the tetrarchy of Herod Antipas (Galilee and Perea) after Antipas's exile.

According to the Acts of the Apostles, King Agrippa I began persecuting the early Christian church. He executed James, son of Zebedee, by the sword. This was the first apostolic martyrdom recorded in the New Testament. The persecution pleased the Jewish authorities.

Agrippa I arrested Peter the Apostle during Passover and imprisoned him, intending to execute him after the festival. According to Acts, Peter was freed by an angel and escaped. Agrippa executed the guards who had been responsible for Peter's custody.

Agrippa I died suddenly at Caesarea Maritima during a public festival. According to Josephus and Acts, he was struck down by an angel of God after accepting acclamation as a god. He was eaten by worms and died after five days of illness. His death ended the Herodian kingdom.