Matthew 14:3

"and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him.”"

Key Reflection

In Matthew 14:3, Herod's reaction to John the Baptist’s beheading reveals a significant cultural and theological insight. Herod believed that John had risen from the dead, attributing his powerful actions—such as performing miracles—to divine intervention. This reflects first-century Jewish beliefs where the notion of resurrection was closely tied to messianic expectations. By connecting these supernatural events to John's supposed resurrection, Herod underscores the perceived divine significance of John’s ministry and legacy, aligning with broader themes of prophetic fulfillment within the biblical narrative.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verses 3-5. For Herod had laid hold on John, etc. See . This Herodias was a grand-daughter of Herod the Great. She was first married to Herod Philip, by whom she had a daughter, Salome, probably the one that danced and pleased Herod. Josephus says that this marriage of Herod Antipas with Herodias took place while he was on a journey to Rome. He stopped at his brother's; fell in love with his wife; agreed to put away his own wife, the daughter of Arteas, king of Petraea; and Herodias agreed to leave her own husband, and live with him. They were living, therefore, in adultery; and John in faithfulness, though at the risk of his life, had reproved them for their crimes.

Related Verses

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