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Explanation for:
Matthew
14
:
5
And having a mind to put him to death, he feared the people: because they esteemed him as a prophet.
11
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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":"Herod was apprehensive about the people's anger towards John, having discovered that numerous individuals had received baptism from him. Nevertheless, his affection for his wife drove him to overlook even the laws of God due to his deep desire for her."},{"author-name":"Peter Chrysologus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896c8505740d15218d3ed_Peter%20Chrysologus.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":5,"exegesis-text":"He readily deviates from righteousness, showing a greater concern for human judgment than for divine. While such apprehension may limit sinful actions, it fails to eradicate the inclination to sin. As a result, those who abstain from wrongdoing out of fear may find themselves even more enticed to sin. Only by nurturing a reverent fear of God can one truly direct the mind, steer clear of transgressions, maintain purity, and cultivate resolve. Now, let us contemplate the trials faced by Blessed John!"},{"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":"Herod, lacking reverence for God, was nonetheless intimidated by the crowd, which led him to refrain from carrying out their execution. However, the adversary provided him with a favorable moment."},{"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 tells us that Herodias harbored a deep anger towards John and wished to end his life, yet she was unable to act upon her desire. He explains that Herod feared John, recognizing him as a righteous and holy man, and therefore took him into custody. Herod was moved to comply with many of John's teachings and found joy in listening to him. This is recorded by Mark (Mark 6:19, 20). However, Matthew presents a somewhat different perspective, indicating that Herod desired John's death but was afraid of the people. If Herod was receptive to John’s counsel and honored him as a holy man, why then did he choose to imprison him? The events described by Mark occurred earlier, while those in Matthew refer to a later time. Initially, Herodias was furious with John and desired vengeance, yet Herod refrained from acting on her wishes due to his recognition of John's righteousness, obeying him and appreciating his guidance. Over time, however, as John's rebukes and criticisms troubled Herod deeply, compounded by Herodias's wrath, his regard transformed into hostility. In response to John’s ongoing challenges to him, Herod wished to execute him; yet out of fear of the populace, he opted to bind him, intending to silence him during his public appearances."},{"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 found himself unable to resist the wicked schemes of his cherished mistress, while he himself desired freedom from the denunciations he loathed. Yet, he hesitated to act upon his dark intentions. He contemplated eliminating John, yet fear of the populace restrained him, as they revered John as a prophet, and indeed he was far more than just that. There were moments when even Herod, that shameless libertine who disregarded God's commandments, would unwittingly be swayed by John's bold and divine message, often obeying it, as noted by Mark the evangelist. This reflected the remarkable influence of this greater man born of women. Nonetheless, Herod chose to detain John in prison, possibly to shield him from the wrath of Herodias, while secretly wishing the crowd would gradually, if not forget the prophet, at least become indifferent toward him. This behavior aligned perfectly with the nature of Antipas, whom Christ the Redeemer referred to as a fox."},{"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":"Herod’s anxiety over a potential uprising led to John’s confinement, as noted by Flavius (Ant. 18: 5, 2). It is likely that this fear motivated him to consider taking John's life. The charges brought against him by Herodias served merely as a superficial justification for this act. Herod was apprehensive about the possibility of public unrest if he decided to execute John, since John was esteemed among the crowd as a prophet. The people recognized John as an extraordinary messenger from God to the Jews, honoring him rightly, for he was not only a genuine prophet but was indeed more than a prophet (Matthew 11:9)."},{"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":"It is evident that Herodias viewed John as her adversary and sought to eliminate him through the prevalent method of her time—murder. However, she lacked the authority to carry out the death of the prophet she despised. Instead, she exerted all her efforts and influence over Herod, who was enamored with her. She implored Herod multiple times to have John killed, and it is likely that at times Herod capitulated to her desires, agreeing to satisfy the requests of the woman he cherished. Yet just as he was about to act on her wishes, he hesitated. The people held John in high regard as a prophet, and thus his death could incite significant public outrage, a scenario that particularly alarmed Herod. Furthermore, he recognized that John was no ordinary man; out of his righteousness, he was viewed as a holy figure, which instilled fear in Herod. He believed that a saint could bring about unforeseen consequences for him. There were instances when Herod sought John’s counsel and followed his advice, even finding enjoyment in their conversations."},{"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":"Herod Antipas experienced a profound guilt within himself and secretly revered the prophet; however, Herodias, entrenched in her wickedness, was enraged and plotted to eliminate the accuser. Reluctant to ask directly, she resorted to deceit and seized the first chance to carry out her murderous intentions."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"After the profound witness given by Christ, the prominent herald of the Savior soon found himself imprisoned. In the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas, the capricious and morally bankrupt ruler of Galilee and Perea, John the Baptist stirred apprehension within him. Herod was anxious that the multitude eager to hear John might incite turmoil amid the turbulent times they faced, so he believed it prudent to preempt any unexpected backlash and potential regret for his actions. Furthermore, as a staunch critic of the societal immorality of the era and a candid proclaimer of the truth, John had incurred the ire of Herodias, Herod's unlawful spouse. Echoing the ancient prophet Elijah, who condemned the wickedness of Ahab and Jezebel, John admonished Herod, stating: “It is not worthy for you to have your brother's wife.” Herod’s brother, named Herod Philip, resided in Rome and was the legitimate husband of Herodias. However, driven by ambition, she abandoned him to unlawfully marry Herod Antipas, contrary to the scriptural law that prohibited a brother from taking another's wife as long as the first brother lived. This wicked woman sought to eliminate John swiftly for exposing her sinful union, but her attempts only resulted in Herod imprisoning him rather than executing him. Herod hesitated to fulfill her murderous desires, fearing retribution from the people who revered John as a prophet, acknowledging him as a righteous and holy man, for whom divine retribution might fall upon those responsible for his death. These concerns led Herod to value his captive, treating him with respect, and even engaging in many endeavors at John's urging while taking pleasure in listening to him. This reverence for John also afforded him a degree of freedom in prison; he was able to communicate freely with his disciples, receiving updates about Christ's ministry, and he sent them on to the Lord for confirmation of His work.\\n\\nAs the Gospel began to spread further, the Forerunner and Baptizer of Christ, John, languished in imprisonment until he met a martyr's fate. His denunciation of Herod's illicit union with Herodias ignited within her a fierce animosity toward John. Aware that her precarious position would crumble if Herod listened to John's admonitions and severed ties with her, she sought to eliminate the herald of truth, but lacked the power to do so alone. Manipulating Herod, who had once regarded John as a righteous and holy figure, Herodias cunningly maneuvered until he resolved to sacrifice John. Yet, out of fear of inciting the people who honored John as a prophet, Herod hesitated to execute the gruesome act. Herodias, eager for revenge, remained poised and vigilant for a chance to act against John.\\n\\nThe reputation and miraculous works of Christ had become widely known to Antipas, spread through the fervor of common discourse. In his confusion, he inquired, “Who is this one, about whom I hear such things?” and speculated that this miracle worker might be the resurrected John the Baptist, whom he had executed. In hope of reassurance, he sought the opportunity to meet Christ personally."},{"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":"In the accounts of the Gospels, a distinction can be observed between Matthew and Mark. Firstly, while Matthew asserts that Herod sought to eliminate John due to his own motives (5), Mark attributes this desire solely to Herodias, Herod's unlawful wife (19). Secondly, Matthew indicates that Herod's reluctance to execute John stemmed from his fear of the people's reaction, whereas Mark reveals that Herod was actually afraid of John himself, whom he perceived as a righteous and holy individual, often heeding his counsel (20). This illustrates two underlying reasons for Herod's hesitation in carrying out Herodias' demand to kill John: his fear of public opinion and his fear of the man himself. Importantly, Mark does not suggest that Herod refrained from taking John's life out of veneration for his righteousness; rather, it was a fear of divine retribution that hindered him. He was not willing to forsake his respect for John to satisfy his wife's nefarious desires. Consequently, despite possibly contemplating John’s death multiple times under his wife's influence, he was ultimately deterred by his fear of the people's sentiment and John's integrity."},{"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 imprisoned due to a series of events. He was baptizing in Perea, under the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas, who governed from his capital in Tiberias, Galilee. Having inherited a deep-seated mistrust from his father, Herod was vigilant about all activities within his realm. It was sufficient for him to learn that John had amassed a significant following to perceive him as a potential threat. In an attempt to evaluate him, Herod sought to summon John to his court, aiming to discern the nature of his character and ascertain if his concerns were warranted, so he might protect himself. However, Herod was surprised to discover that this man, often misjudged due to his simple clothing and ascetic lifestyle, was indeed a stern moral advocate. John possessed the courage to declare the same truths he shared with the public in the presence of the king and his court. Unfettered in Herod's palace, much like he was in the wilderness, he boldly confronted Herod for taking his brother Herod Philip's wife and living with her. John also fervently condemned other immoral behaviors rampant in the court. Herod perhaps did not display overt anger at these accusations; in fact, he was inclined to listen to John and held him in high regard (Mark 6:20). Nevertheless, Herodias, driven by ambition and resentment at John's rebukes, exerted her influence over Herod to bring about John's death. Ultimately, she succeeded in persuading him to imprison John in the fortress of Maheru. Herod's intentions went no further at that moment, partly because the Galileans revered John as a prophet and greatly favored him, causing Herod to hesitate for fear of public backlash (Matthew 14:5). Moreover, he had a genuine apprehension that persecuting such a righteous and God-pleasing individual might incite divine retribution against him (Mark 6:20). These factors left Herod in a prolonged state of uncertainty regarding his treatment of John and might have eventually led him to release him entirely if not for Herodias seizing on one instance of Herod's vulnerability to push for John's execution, as will be discussed further. Despite his imprisonment, Herod permitted John to maintain fellowship with his disciples."}]}
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