King James Bible
"Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,"
Luke anchors his narrative in concrete history, dating events to approximately AD 28-29. This precise chronological marker demonstrates Luke's concern for historical accuracy and connects sacred history to world events, emphasizing that God acts within real time and space. Pilate served as Roman prefect from AD 26-36, representing imperial authority in the Jewish heartland. His mention foreshadows his crucial role in Jesus' trial and establishes the political tension between Roman rule and Jewish aspirations. These sons of Herod the Great ruled divided portions of their father's former kingdom as client rulers under Rome. Their presence illustrates the fragmented political landscape of Palestine and the complex layers of authority under which Jesus would minister. This lesser-known ruler governed a small territory northwest of Damascus. Luke's inclusion of even minor political figures underscores his thoroughness and sets a comprehensive geographical stage for the ministry about to unfold.