Aretas

the father-in-law of Herod Antipas, and king of Arabia Petraea

His daughter returned to him when her husband committed adultery with Herodias, the wife of Herod-Philip, his half-brother (Luke 3:19-20; Mark 6:17; Matthew 14:3). This led to a war between Aretas and Herod Antipas. Herod’s army was completely destroyed (36 AD). Aretas, taking advantage of the complications created by the death of the Emperor Tiberius (37 AD), took possession of Damascus (2 Corinthians 11:32; compare Acts 9:25). At this time, Paul returned to Damascus from Arabia.