Since most of the history of this period has been discussed in Part One, this section is devoted to those facets of the history of this period that are relevant to one's understanding of Jesus and his ministry; the period after Herod's death.

After Herod's death in 4 BCE, his kingdom was divided among three of his sons, Archelaus, Herod Antipas and Philip. Archelaus became ruler of Judaea, Samaria and Idumaea; Herod Antipas of Galilee and Perea, and Philip of the regions north and east of the Sea of Galilee.

In Judaea the transition was all but peaceful. The Jerusalemites demanded a reduction in taxes and the release of prisoners. Peasant revolts broke out in different parts of the country, a phenomenon that occurred sporadically until the outbreak of the Roman-Jewish war in 66-70 CE.

Archelaus's reign lasted only ten years before he was removed from his position in 6 CE. From then onwards, Roman governors ruled Judaea and Samaria. Tax was to be paid directly to Rome. This led to revolts, one of which was led by Judas the Galilean in different parts of Palestine in 6 CE. Jesus was born shortly before the death of Herod the Great, in other words, before 4 CE. His ministry, however, took place between 28 and 30 CE while Herod Antipas was ruler of Galilee (where most of Jesus's ministry took place). Pilate was extra troops in case of trouble. This would also have been the case when Jesus and his disciples went to Jerusalem for the Passover in about 30 CE.

As a result of the long reign of Herod Antipas in Galilee (4 B C E-39 CE), Galilee was probably more peaceful than Judaea. This does not necessarily mean that the Jews were satisfied with their situation. No part of Palestine was totally exempt from the consequences of Roman rule such as heavy taxation, and social and economic tensions between rich and poor. The potential for insurrection was present most of the time. In such a situation of dissatisfaction, the hope for divine intervention, which in some cases manifested itself in the outbreak of violence, arose from time to time.