Did King Herod behead the apostle John or John the Baptist?

Answer 1

A:In the New Testament gospels, Herod Antipas (a son of King Herod the Great) imprisoned John the Baptist because he had publicly criticised his marriage to his brother's former wife, Herodias. In this account, Antipas had not wished to harm John the Baptist but was tricked by Herodias into having him beheaded at a party in Galilee. This took place at a time near the beginning of the mission of Jesus.

The historical account of the execution of John the Baptist differs in time, place and context, but there is agreement that John's execution did occur on the orders of Herod Antipas and because of John's criticism of Herod's marriage. The wedding took place in 34 CE and John was executed in 35 or 36 CE in Macherus, out of fear that he was stirring the Jews up for rebellion. We do not know whether the Baptist was executed by beheading or by other means. The relevant text from Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews by the first-century historian, Josephus: "Now many people came in crowds to him, for they were greatly moved by his words. Herod, who feared that the great influence John had over the masses might put them into his power and enable him to raise a rebellion (for they seemed ready to do anything he should advise), thought it best to put him to death. In this way, he might prevent any mischief John might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly John was sent as a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I already mentioned, and was put to death."