Matthew 14:2

"At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,"

Key Reflection

This statement sets the stage for a significant event, indicating that Herod was already aware of Jesus's growing reputation and influence. Herod's curiosity or perhaps fear about Jesus is heightened by this report, which foreshadows his later panic when John the Baptist is executed and he wonders if John has risen from the dead, linking his thoughts back to the powerful works attributed to Jesus.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 2. This is John the Baptist. Herod feared John. His conscience smote him for his crimes. He remembered that he had wickedly put him to death. He knew him to be a distinguished prophet; and he concluded that no other one was capable of working such miracles but he who had been distinguished in his life, and who had again risen from the dead, and entered the dominions of his murderer. The alarm in his court it seems was general. Herod's conscience told him that this was John. Others thought that it might be the expected Elijah, or one of the old prophets, Mr 6:15.

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