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Explanation for:
Matthew
14
:
2
And he said to his servants: This is John the Baptist: he is risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works shew forth themselves in him.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"A member of the Church's interpretation community inquires why Herod was so convinced that John had returned from the dead, leading him to believe that miraculous abilities were present in John. However, should we really address another's misconception? Can we draw from this statement the basis for the belief in the transfer of souls, given that at the time John was executed, the Lord was in the midst of His thirty years on earth, while the belief in the transfer of souls asserts that souls enter new bodies after many years?"},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Do you perceive the depth of his fear? He is hesitant to declare it openly, only sharing with his advisors. Yet the mere speculation is both absurd and ludicrous. While others have been raised from the dead, none have accomplished such wonders. It appears to me that Herod's words were driven by a combination of desire for power and apprehension. Truly, the soul, when untamed by rationale, frequently harbors conflicting emotions."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Therefore, recognize the arrogance of tyrannical existence. Such was the delay for Herod to become aware of Jesus' works! Influential figures are not quick to become informed, for they overlook those who radiate in righteousness. Herod seemed to have apprehension towards the Baptist; thus, he chose to confide only in his young attendants, his servants. Since John had not manifested any signs during his earthly ministry, Herod assumed that this miraculous ability had been bestowed upon him after his resurrection—as a divine endowment."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Mark presents a similar account (Mark 6:14), while Luke narrates that Herod the tetrarch, upon hearing about Jesus, was bewildered. Some claimed that John the Baptist had risen from the dead, others believed Elijah had appeared, and some thought a prophet from long ago had come back to life. Herod himself questioned, \\"John, I have seen; who then is this One about whom I hear such things?\\" and he sought an opportunity to meet Him. \\n\\nThis raises a question: Matthew and Mark indicate that Herod believed Jesus was John, but Luke relays that when confronted with these claims, Herod denied it, saying, \\"I am John, thus it cannot be John.\\" How do we reconcile these differing accounts? Herod believed that John had returned from the dead and had acquired miraculous powers as a consequence of his wrongful execution. However, he rejected the idea that Jesus was John, fearing that acknowledging this would incite his followers to turn against him. The secret was only disclosed to his attendants, whom the Evangelist refers to as youths, as he was deeply troubled by the thought that John might become a powerful figure capable of denouncing him. \\n\\nIt's intriguing to note that the one who caused death fears the one who met death. A wicked individual is afraid of the dead, while a righteous person instills fear in the living even after his demise. Following the mention of John, the Evangelist recounts the manner of his death."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The heart that embraces sin cannot find true peace without experiencing guilt; it continually punishes itself and inadvertently becomes a channel for God's justice against its own wrongdoing. The unrepentant may arm themselves with their malevolence, and the unrighteous may refuse to acknowledge their shame, yet the miracles of Christ will forever torment their souls. Not only will the glory of the Savior weigh heavily upon the wicked, but so too will the faith He established, the holy service He initiated, and His divinity acknowledged by all creation, all of which will burden the wicked and disrupt their illusory sense of peace. In Herod's court, none contemplated the Messiah; such thoughts would have frightened Herod and his followers far more than a discourse about the resurrected John. Oh! Do not follow the example of these hardened and blind individuals; recognize the Divine Master in the demonstrations of His omnipotence. If you carry guilt, surrender to your remorse and seek the mercy of Jesus; but if His grace has sheltered you or rescued you from iniquity, express your gratitude and pray that He may continually support you on the journey of purity or repentance."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"At that moment, a sense of guilt emerged within him: Herod, the fourth character, overheard the petition regarding Jesus and addressed his attendants, asking, \\"Who is this man about whom I hear such wondrous accounts? Could it be John the Baptist, whose head I had severed? He has risen from the dead, and that is why miracles are performed through Him.\\" He pondered the possibility that Jesus might incite the people to seek retribution for his own actions. An ancient commentator reflects, \\"The wicked fear the deceased, while the virtuous instill fear in the living even after they are gone.\\" St. Chrysostom notes the profound impact of fear: Herod hesitated to speak openly, yet he confided in his courtiers, as if seeking their affirmation that Jesus was not the resurrected John, thus alleviating his own anxiety. The Gospel of Luke (Luke 9:9) recounts that Herod even looked for a chance to meet Jesus, but the Lord chose to stay away from Galilee. St. Matthew also addresses this event. \\"Why did he omit it earlier?\\" St. Chrysostom asks and responds: \\"His sole aim was to highlight the works of Christ, and the Evangelists included nothing irrelevant; they would not have referenced this incident unless it pertained to Christ, and Herod did not claim that John had come back to life.\\""},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"serving under him\\": \\"courtiers\\" (Chrysostom, cf. 1 Sam. 16:17, 1 Mac. 8:6, 8). - \\"He rose from the dead\\": It is plausible to suggest (cf. Mk. 8:15 with Mt. 16:6) that Herod Antipas was affiliated with the Sadducees, a group that denied the resurrection of the dead. His assertion that John had risen does not contradict this belief; rather, it provides a fuller understanding of Antipas's character. \\"Herod is troubled by the notion of John's death and, out of fear, he ponders the resurrection... It appears to me that Herod's statement stems from both ambition and dread, as the soul, when not governed by rationale, often harbors conflicting emotions\\" (Zlat.). Individuals lacking strength of character and conviction, when confronted by fear and burdened with guilt, may acknowledge as feasible what they theoretically deem impossible or irrational. Herod was apprehensive about John because he had taken his life against his own moral judgment, viewing John as a righteous man and a prophet (Mark 6:20). His disturbed conscience conjured the idea that this innocent victim of his folly had arisen from the grave to exact punishment upon him. Perhaps he was also influenced by the widespread belief that saw in Christ the returning Elijah or one of the ancient prophets (Luke 9:7 ff.). \\"And because\\"—that he was no ordinary man but one raised from the dead—\\"miracles are done by him\\" (δύναμεις - powers: cf. Matthew 13:54)."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Herod Antipas became aware of the deeds of Jesus and sought to uncover His identity. Some informed him that John the Baptist had been resurrected, others claimed that Elijah appeared, while still others believed that one of the long-ago prophets had come back to life. The apostles conveyed these same thoughts to Jesus when He inquired, “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:24). Among all these speculations, Herod was particularly troubled by one: “Is this not John, whom I beheaded? Will he not seek retribution against me?” He sought an occasion to meet Jesus to confirm his suspicions."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"For the troubled Herod Antipas, this dreadful occurrence became a source of ongoing anxiety and regret. Upon hearing about the ministry of Jesus Christ, he questioned whether John the Baptist, whom he had executed, had returned to seek vengeance against him. Thus, he desired to encounter Christ to dispel his unfounded fears, but he could only do so much later, as the Savior intentionally evaded his presence, seemingly aiming to allow him to fully confront the guilt of his conscience, deeply disturbed by his grievous actions."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Following the significant witness of Christ, the prominent messenger of the Lord, John, faced a brief period of freedom before he was confined. While under the rule of Herod Antipas, a capricious and morally weak leader of Galilee and Perea, John's presence prompted suspicion. Herod was apprehensive that the multitude drawn to hear John might incite trouble amidst the troubling times, leading him to act preemptively in order to protect himself from any sudden upheaval. Moreover, John, known for his outspoken condemnation of the prevalent vices and unwavering proclamation of truth, had stirred animosity from Herodias, Herod's unlawful spouse. Like the ancient prophet Elijah, who rebuked the wrongdoings of Ahab and Jezebel, John confronted Herod with the admonition: \\"It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.\\" Herod's brother, Herod Philip, lived in Rome and was Herodias' legitimate husband. Driven by ambition, she abandoned him and married Herod Antipas, contravening the law which prohibited a man from marrying his brother's wife while the brother was still alive. This scheming woman sought to have John executed for denouncing her immoral actions, but her pleas only resulted in Herod arresting him instead. Although Herodias wanted John dead, Herod hesitated to carry out her murderous desires, fearing the backlash from the crowds who held John in high regard, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. Thus, Herod valued his prisoner, obeying him in many matters and enjoying his company. This unusual regard for John allowed him some freedom within prison, enabling him to communicate with his disciples who informed him about the miracles of Christ, and he, in turn, sent them to Christ.\\n\\nAs the message of the Gospel spread, John the Baptist, who was imprisoned, ultimately faced a martyr's end. His denunciation of Herod's illicit relationship with Herodias ignited a fierce desire for vengeance within her. Fearing the loss of her status should Herod heed John's warnings and divorce her, she plotted to eliminate the voice of truth. Employing her cunning to manipulate Herod's already wavering resolve, she persuaded him, who respected and valued John's righteousness, to consider sacrificing John. However, out of concern for the people who honored John as a prophet, Herod postponed the execution, while Herodias continued to await a chance for revenge against John.\\n\\nHerod Antipas had long been aware of the name and works of Christ through the widespread rumors that reached him (Matthew 14:1; Mark 6:14; Luke 9:7). Confounded, he inquired, \\"Who is this about whom I hear such things?\\" (Luke 9:9), suspecting that this miraculous figure might be the resurrected John the Baptist, whom he had slain (Matthew 14:2; Mark 6:14, 16). In his quest for certainty, he sought a chance to see Him (Luke 9:9)."}]}
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