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Explanation for:
Matthew
14
:
3
For Herod had apprehended John and bound him, and put him into prison, because of Herodias, his brother's wife.
13
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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":"Historical accounts reveal that Philip, the son of Herod the Elder during the period when the Lord sought refuge in Egypt, and the brother of Herod under whom Christ endured suffering, married Herodias, the daughter of King Aretha. Subsequently, due to suspicions regarding his son-in-law, the father-in-law took his daughter away and, to the sorrow of her first husband, forged a matrimonial alliance with his adversary, Herod. The evangelist Luke provides further details about this Philip: In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar’s reign, when Pontius Pilate governed Judea, Herod acted as tetrarch in Galilee while Philip, his brother, was tetrarch in Iturea and the region of Trachonitis (Luke 3:1)."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"It has been emphasized that engaging with the Gospel necessitates careful consideration due to the profound insights that can be gained from the accounts of its events. While the sequence of the narrative follows its own structure, there exists an intended significance beneath the surface of what is conveyed, exemplified by the interactions between Herod and John. John advanced from the foundation of the law, which anticipated Christ, thereby proclaiming the message of Christ sourced in the law itself. Conversely, Herod, as the leader of the people, embodies their identity and concerns. In this context, John admonished Herod against marrying his brother's wife. Hence, there exist two distinct groups – one comprising the circumcised and the other the Gentiles. The law prohibited Israel from engaging in the practices and disbelief associated with the Gentiles. Such unfaithfulness was likened to a violation of marital fidelity. Reflecting the gravity of this stern admonition, John found himself imprisoned, representing the law's own constraints."},{"author-name":"Peter Chrysologus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896c8505740d15218d3ed_Peter%20Chrysologus.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":5,"exegesis-text":"John sought to influence Herod through reason rather than condemnation; his aim was to lead him toward reform rather than push him toward ruin. However, Herod chose the path of destruction over the path of humility. To those who are imprisoned by their wrongdoings, the innocence of others can become a source of resentment. Virtue stands in stark contrast to vice, and the purity of holiness is alarming to those who engage in sacrilege. Chastity opposes wickedness, integrity confronts dishonesty, and moderation challenges excess. Compassion cannot coexist with cruelty, honor cannot accept dishonor, and justice cannot abide injustice. The evangelist illustrates this when he writes, 'John said unto him, Thou shalt not have her.' In this way, John becomes a target. When one turns away from evil, it often incites backlash. He becomes a victim by seeking to expose wrongdoing. John’s words were aligned with the law, grounded in justice, and filled with love, not malice. The response he received from the wicked for such a noble endeavor was indeed a grim reward."},{"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":"In earlier narratives concerning John's life, Matthew chose not to reference certain events as his intent was solely to focus on matters relating to Christ. He would refrain from mentioning them now if they did not pertain to Christ. John boldly confronted Herod for unlawfully having his brother’s wife. The Scriptures mandated that a brother should marry his brother's widow if he passed away without children. However, Philip had not died childless, for he had a daughter who performed a dance. Some assert that while Philip was still alive, Herod seized both his wife and his rule. Regardless, Herod's actions were in violation of the law."},{"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":"John admonished Herod for marrying his brother’s wife in violation of the law. He had two primary reasons for this rebuke: first, because he had unlawfully seized both his brother's spouse and his brother's authority while his brother was still alive; secondly, because he had taken her as his own, even though she had a daughter by him. Both actions were against the commandments of the law. The law permitted the taking of a brother's wife, but only after the brother's death and not when she had children with him."},{"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":"Endure threats, maltreatment, and imprisonment—this can often be the fate of those chosen to declare the divine truth to worldly authorities. Saint John courageously confronted Herod and openly admonished him for his immoral and seductive lifestyle. Rather than heeding Saint John's life-saving counsel, the corrupt ruler chose to imprison him. Yet, how glorious it is for the herald of the Messiah to stand firm in advocating for God's work, even at the cost of personal freedom, blood, and life! Do not let your hearts be troubled, faithful servants of the Lord, when the world weighs you down with offenses; fulfilling your sacred calling inevitably invites unjust persecution. What trials might you face from the evil one, when you are fervently committed to dismantling his dominion and the realm of sin? What challenges will arise from those who are enslaved by their desires, when you call out their wrongdoings and guide them towards the narrow path leading to eternal life? Rest assured, if you carry out your duties faithfully, tribulation will accompany you. Saint Paul emphasized that this applies not only to the messengers of truth but to anyone who aspires to live righteously in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12)."},{"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":"Herod had seized John, shackled him, and confined him in a dark prison within the fortress of Maherus, located on the fringes of the desolate wilderness of Arabia, to the northeast of the Dead Sea, across the Jordan River. The wicked ruler was unable to tolerate the condemnation from the bold prophet of the desert, Herodias, who was the wife of his brother Philip; this was particularly because John had confronted him, stating, \\"You shall not have her.\\""},{"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":"The evangelist then recounts the specific event. Why did he not mention it earlier? His primary focus was on the mission of Christ. The evangelists refrained from including any unnecessary details, only presenting information that would support their central objective. Thus, they would not have referred to this event had it not involved Christ and if Herod had not claimed that John had been raised. \\n\\nJohn was imprisoned in the fortress of Mahere, located on the northeastern shore of the Dead Sea, situated at the boundary of Herod Antipas’s territory and that of the Arab king Arete. \\n\\nConcerning Herodias, she was the daughter of Aristobulus, a son of Herod the Great by his second wife Mariamne. Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great by his fourth wife Malfaka, making Philip, the son of Herod the Great by his third wife Mariamne, Herodias’s uncle. While married to Philip, she bore a daughter named Salome, who is known for her dancing. Antipas took Herodias as his wife while Philip was still alive, divorcing his legitimate wife, who was the daughter of the aforementioned Arabian king Aretha. For this act, John the Baptist confronted him, declaring, “You must not have her.”"},{"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":"John the Baptist's captivity was a consequence of Herod Antipas's actions. Herod Antipas, son of Herod, who had previously ordered the massacre of the children in Bethlehem, held dominion over Galilee and Perea. He had taken Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, as his own, a union that was explicitly condemned by the Scriptures, as noted in Leviticus 18:16. Consequently, John confronted Herod for his flagrant transgression.\\n\\nHerod's banquet is noteworthy as it reflects the ramifications of his unlawful union with Herodias, which John publicly condemned. This denunciation created a deep-seated animosity from Herodias toward John, who sought to eliminate him. In a bid to appease her, Herod had John imprisoned at the fortress of Maheru. This stronghold, constructed by Herod in Perea close to the Arabian border, served as a strategic location for military operations against the Arabs. In the midst of these events, Herod Antipas's legitimate wife, the daughter of King Aretas of Arabia, fled back to her father upon discovering her husband's infidelity with Herodias. Angered by the betrayal, King Aretas declared war on Herod. In response, Herod and his entire court relocated from Tiberias, their usual residence, to Mahera, where they resided in the palace."},{"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":"After releasing the disciples, the Savior resumed His mission of preaching, traveling through towns and villages, performing acts of kindness for the suffering humanity. During this time, a significant event took place that symbolized the impending clash of evil against the heralds of the Kingdom of Heaven—John the Baptist, the greatest prophet born of women, was cruelly executed. His fearless proclamation of truth had led him to languish long in a dark prison, yet even in that dire place, he continued to proclaim his condemnations, particularly targeting Herod Antipas, who governed Galilee following Herod the Great's demise. Herod Antipas was a minor but morally reprehensible and indulgent ruler, openly involved in an illicit relationship with his brother Philip's wife, a woman who matched his immoral conduct. Although the scandal of such a union was clear, none dared voice their condemnation; they remained silent, submitting to the corrupt royal duo. It was only John the Baptist, akin to his formidable Old Testament predecessor Elijah, who boldly confronted the new Ahab and Jezebel with his powerful prophetic denunciations. “Thou shalt not,” the prophet declared directly and courageously to Antipas, “have thy brother's wife.”"},{"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 solemn proclamation of Christ, the great herald of the truth quickly found himself in confinement after fulfilling his mission. While under the rule of Herod Antipas, a leader characterized by his frivolity, weakness, and indulgence in pleasures, John the Baptist provoked suspicion. Herod was apprehensive that the crowds drawn to John might incite unrest amid the tumultuous times, leading him to believe it prudent to protect himself from unexpected repercussions. Furthermore, John’s bold condemnation of the prevailing vices and his unvarnished proclamation of the truth angered Herodias, Herod's unlawful wife. Like the ancient prophet Elijah, who fearlessly criticized King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, John confronted Herod, stating: \\"It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.\\" Herod's brother, Herod Philip, who lived in Rome, was legitimately married to Herodias, but driven by ambition, she abandoned him, entering into an unlawful union with Herod Antipas in violation of the Scriptures, which forbade a man from marrying his brother's wife as long as his brother was alive. Although Herodias yearned to eliminate John for denouncing their immoral relationship, she initially succeeded only in persuading Herod Antipas to imprison him. Despite her desire for John's death, Herod was deterred from carrying out this bloodthirsty wish due to his fear of the people, as he recognized John as a righteous and holy man, acutely aware that his demise could bring divine retribution. This fear led Herod to value his prisoner, showing him favor and often listening to him with keen interest. This respect allowed John some degree of freedom even while imprisoned, enabling him to communicate without hindrance with his disciples, who kept him informed of Christ's ministry and sent messages of inquiry to the Lord. \\n\\nAs the Gospel continued to spread, John the Baptist, who was languishing in prison, ultimately met a martyr's end. His denunciation of Herod's unlawful relationship with his brother's wife stirred Herodias to seek vengeance against him. Fearing the loss of her position should Herod heed John's warning and divorce her, Herodias sought to kill the voice of truth, though she lacked the power to do so independently. Through manipulation and relentless pressure on Herod, who respected John as a righteous man and enjoyed hearing him, her scheming led Herod to a precarious decision regarding John's life. Yet, aware of the people's reverence for John as a prophet, he hesitated to carry out the execution, even as Herodias looked for the moment to exact her revenge. \\n\\nThe reputation and actions of Christ had reached Antipas through widespread rumors that circulated among the people. In confusion, he inquired: \\"Who is this about whom I hear such things?\\" He speculated that this miracle worker might be the resurrected John the Baptist, the very one he had executed, and sought an opportunity to see Him personally for confirmation."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Among the Hebrew texts, a distinction can be found between Matthew and Mark. To begin with, Matthew attributes the desire to eliminate John to Herod himself, while Mark ascribes this intent solely to his unlawful wife, Herodias. Furthermore, in Matthew's account, Herod hesitated to execute John due to concerns about public opinion, whereas Mark presents Herod as being fearful of John, whom he perceived as a just and holy figure and whose counsel he often followed. \\n\\nFrom these accounts, we discern two key reasons for Herod's reluctance to carry out Herodias' demand to kill John: his fear of the people's reaction and his reverence towards John. Mark does not suggest that Herod refrained from killing John out of admiration for his righteousness; rather, he was concerned about facing divine retribution for his actions against John. Herod struggled to set aside his respect for John to fulfill the nefarious desires of his wife. Therefore, despite his wife’s provocations, it seems he repeatedly contemplated John's death, yet each time he was deterred by the fear of public backlash and reverence for John."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"During that period, John found himself confined to prison. The events leading to his incarceration were tied to his ministry in Perea, where Herod Antipas served as tetrarch, with Tiberias as his main city in Galilee. Inheriting his father's suspicious demeanor, Herod kept a close watch on all activities within his jurisdiction. Upon learning that John had attracted a significant number of followers, he perceived him as a potential threat. To satisfy his curiosity and validate his suspicions, he sought to summon John to his court. However, he soon discovered that his assumptions about John were mistaken. Despite his rough attire and ascetic lifestyle, John was a steadfast moral figure, unafraid to voice the truths he preached to the public, even in the presence of the king and his household. He rebuked Herod for taking his brother Herod Philip's wife, openly criticizing him for his actions. With the same fervor, John denounced other immoral behaviors rampant in Herod's court. While Herod did not seem overly irritated by John's bold statements—at times even treating him with respect (Mark 6:20)—Herodias, driven by ambition and resentment over John's criticisms, pressured Herod to put John to death. Consequently, Herod imprisoned John in the fortress of Maheru. Herod’s intentions were not to harm John further, largely because the people of Galilee regarded John as a prophet and held him in high esteem, preventing Herod from acting too harshly due to fear of public backlash (Matthew 14:5). Moreover, Herod was wary that persecuting a righteous man might invite divine retribution (Mark 6:20). These factors created a prolonged hesitation in Herod's response to John; he might have ultimately released John were it not for Herodias exploiting a moment of Herod’s weakness to condemn him. Throughout his imprisonment, John was permitted to maintain connections with his disciples."}]}
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