Let Us Learn from These Two Women

by Prisca | 30 April 2019 08:46 pm04

Let Us Learn from These Two Women

Shalom, servant of God!
May the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be glorified forever. Welcome to today’s Bible study. We will look at two women in Scripture who played significant roles during the time of Jesus: the wife of Herod and the wife of Pontius Pilate.

Though both were married to powerful Roman rulers in Israel during the time of Christ, their actions and attitudes in critical moments revealed very different spiritual conditions. This lesson is especially relevant for Christian women today, but men can also learn valuable insights.

Roman Rule in Israel

During the time of Jesus, the Roman Empire ruled over most of the known world, including Palestine (Israel). This region was divided into provinces governed by Roman-appointed leaders.

Herod the Great, mentioned in Luke 1:5, was appointed by Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1) as King of Judea and surrounding regions. He is remembered for rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem (John 2:20), but also for his cruelty, such as the massacre of infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).
After Herod the Great died, his kingdom was divided among his sons:
- Herod Antipas governed Galilee and Perea (Luke 3:1) he was the one who later had John the Baptist beheaded.
- Archelaus ruled Judea, Samaria, and Idumea, but due to his brutality, Caesar Augustus removed him from power and replaced him with a Roman governor: Pontius Pilate, who governed during the time of Jesus’ ministry and crucifixion.

Two Women, Two Spirits

Now, let us compare the wives of these two rulers:

1. Herod’s Wife (Herodias)

Herodias was married to Herod Antipas.
She held a deep grudge against John the Baptist because he rebuked her immoral marriage to Herod (Mark 6:17-18).
Driven by bitterness and pride, she conspired to have John executed. She used her daughter to manipulate Herod during a party, asking for John’s head on a platter (Mark 6:24-28).
Her actions reveal a rebellious and murderous spirit, even though she knew John was “a righteous and holy man” (Mark 6:20).

2. Pilate’s Wife

During Jesus’ trial, Pilate’s wife had a troubling dream about Jesus and warned her husband:

“Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” (Matthew 27:19)

Her words reflect spiritual sensitivity. Unlike Herodias, she feared God and was troubled by injustice.
While she was still a pagan by birth, she responded to God’s revelation in a dream, similar to how Gentile figures like the Magi or Cornelius were led to truth (cf. Matthew 2:12, Acts 10).

What Made the Difference?

Both women were Roman, both married to powerful men, both living in the same historical context yet their hearts responded differently.

One helped silence the voice of a prophet.
The other tried to stop the unjust execution of the Son of God.

What was the difference?

The answer lies in the spiritual condition of the heart. One had a heart open to the conviction of God’s Spirit; the other was hardened by sin and pride. This shows us that it’s not your position or culture that determines your relationship with God it’s your heart.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:15)

Application to Today’s Christian Woman (and Man)

Just as in the time of Jesus, today we see different responses among believers especially regarding conviction and holiness.

You may hear one Christian woman say:

“I feel convicted when I wear tight clothing or short skirts. I feel uncomfortable when I wear makeup to attract attention. I sense in my spirit that it dishonors God.”

While another says:

“It’s not about the outside. God looks at the heart. I don’t feel anything wrong with how I dress. It’s my freedom in Christ.”

But let me ask you: Why does one feel convicted, and the other does not?
Is it because one has a different “spirit”?
Are these just personal opinions or is it the Holy Spirit warning one and being ignored by the other?

“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self control…”(1 Timothy 2:9-10, ESV)

True Christianity transforms not only the heart but also our outward conduct. If your conscience is no longer grieved by sin, if you’re no longer sensitive to how you present yourself before God and others then you should ask yourself:
Is the Holy Spirit still active in me?

The difference between Herod’s wife and Pilate’s wife is not their background, but their response to the truth.

Don’t Crucify Christ with Your Actions

Every time we ignore conviction, mock holiness, or choose compromise, we are in a spiritual sense crucifying Christ again (Hebrews 6:6).

You might say, “My situation is hard. I can’t stop dressing this way or living like this.”
But both Herodias and Pilate’s wife were in similar circumstances yet only one had the fear of God.

Sisters in Christ and brothers too the devil has always targeted women, from Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3) to today, because of the powerful influence they hold in families, churches, and societies. Do not let Satan use you as a tool of destruction.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” (Romans 12:2)

Seek to follow the example of godly women like Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah, and not worldly celebrities or fashion trends inspired by darkness.

For the Brothers: Examine Yourself Too

Men are not exempt.
Many have compromised copying worldly trends, shaving and dressing to impress, getting tattoos, and living carelessly while still claiming to follow Christ.

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2Corinthians 13:5)

Is the Spirit in you the same Holy Spirit that convicts others of sin? Or are you living by a different standard?

Let us be honest before God.
Let the Holy Spirit stir us again.
Let’s stop justifying worldliness with “grace” while ignoring the voice of conviction.
Let us honor the Lord in our conduct, our appearance, and our daily choices until the day Christ returns.

“…without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

It is my prayer that this message will lead to transformation. May the Holy Spirit renew your heart, stir up conviction, and guide you into all truth until the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we shall be found blameless and spotless before Him.

God bless you richly.

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