Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
The father-in-law of Herod Antipas, and king of Arabia Petraea. His daughter returned to him on the occasion of her husband’s entering into an adulterous alliance with Herodias, the wife of Herod-Philip, his half-brother (Luke 3:19, 20; Mark 6:17; Matt. 14:3). This led to a war between Aretas and Herod Antipas. Herod’s army was wholly destroyed (A.D. 36). Aretas, taking advantage of the complications of the times on account of the death of
the Emperor Tiberius (A.D. 37), took possession of Damascus (2 Cor. 11:32; comp. Acts 9:25). At this time Paul returned to Damascus from Arabia.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
AR'ETAS. 2 Cor 11:32. The king of Arabia Petraia at the time View of "Mars' Hill," or Aivopamis. {From Lewin's "Life of St, Paul.") the governor of Damascus attempted to apprehend Paul. Acts 9:24, Gal 4:25. His daughter married Herod Antipas, but was afterward divorced to make room for Herodias. In consequence of this insult, Aretas made war upon Antipas and routed him. The emperor Tiberius then despatched the governor of Syria to the assistance
of Antipas, with orders to bring the Arabian to Rome alive, or if dead to send his head. While on the march against him Vitellius learned that Tiberius was dead, a.d. 37. He then dismissed his troops. Antipas was soon after banished and his- kingdom given to Agrippa. It is likely that Aretas was restored to the good graces of the Romans, and that Caligula granted him Damascus, which had already formed part of his predecessor's kingdom. In this
way we can account for the fact in Paul's life stated above.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
agreeable, virtuous