Was it John the Baptist whom Herod had beheaded in the Bible?

Answer 1

A:Yes, the gospel stories say that John the Baptist was beheaded, apparently in Galilee, at the request of Herodias and her daughter, somewhat to the dismay of Herod Antipas. There can be no doubt that the gospel reference is to John the Baptist, even though it appears he was actually executed several years later and in different circumstances.

The historical account provided by Josephus is somewhat different and suggests John may not have been beheaded, certainly not at the request of Herodias. He was executed on the orders of Herod Antipas in the faraway castle at Macherus. The relevant text from Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews:

"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."