Who released John the Baptist from prison?

Answer 1

A:John the Baptist was never released from prison. On the contrary, Herod Antipas was anxious to dispose of John as quickly as possible in case he fomented a rebellion by continuing to publicly criticise Herod for marrying his own brother's former wife. The Baptist was imprisoned in the castle of Macherus, east of the Dead Sea, and then executed because he disapproved of Antipas' marriage to his own brother's wife, who divorced her husband in order to marry Herod Antipas. The wedding took place in 34 CE and the execution of John would have been in 35 or 36 CE. 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."