What does Luke 13:31 mean?

This is a curious verse which Luke uses to set up Jesus' upcoming words. Jesus is traveling toward Jerusalem, but He is still in Galilee, one of Herod Antipas's territories. Pharisees warn Jesus that Antipas wants to kill Him. Their concern is odd since they have been baiting Him, trying to get Him to say something so egregious they can legitimately have Him executed (Luke 11:53–54). Most likely, the men are trying to intimidate Jesus; they hope He will run for His life and abandon His mission.

Herod Antipas is one of the many sons of Herod the Great. His territory includes two unconnected districts: Galilee and Perea. Galilee is north of Samaria, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. Perea is southeast, across the Jordan Sea from Samaria and the Dead Sea. Most likely, Jesus is still in Galilee because he is in Antipas's territory and there are more Jews in Galilee than Perea, hence more Pharisees.

Herod Antipas is still confused about who Jesus is. He wonders if Jesus is John the Baptist returned to life while others in his court think He is Elijah or another prophet (Luke 9:7–9). It's unlikely Antipas knows that the wife of his own household manager is funding Jesus' ministry (Luke 8:3). In Antiquities 18.7.2, Josephus wrote that Antipas was desperate to keep peace in his territory. He and his wife Herodias want nothing more than for the emperor to recognize them as king and queen. Allowing a traveling teacher to start a revolt would not look good.

During Jesus' trials, when Pilate is trying to avoid being the one to authorize Jesus' crucifixion, Pilate will realize Jesus is from Antipas's territory and send him to meet his "king." Although Antipas has been desperately wanting to meet Jesus, Jesus will say nothing. Antipas will mock Jesus and ironically dress Him as king before returning Him to Pilate (Luke 23:6–12).