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According to the record in Scriptures, Herod Antipas was unsure of what was happening when Jesus had begun His healing ministry and was sending forth His disciples to minister. At first He superstitiously thought it was John the Baptist, "risen from the dead," for he had murdered him.
In Mark 6:17,18, we have the most complete record of the reason for the imprisonment: "For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife."
One day Herodias' daughter (often named Salome), danced before Herod on his birthday in front of his entourage of leaders. Herod was so pleased, that he promised Salome "Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom." (v. 23). Because his illegal wife hated John, she conspired with her daughter to ask for his head. Therefore, although "the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison," (vv. 26,27).
When others were speculating who Jesus was to Herod, the Scripture says: " But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead." (v. 16). This was after he had murdered John in prison. John had begun his ministry "in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar (27 A.D., as in Luke 3:1). According to Matthew 4:12, John had been imprisoned just before Jesus began His own public ministry, calling His disciples. Christ had trained His disciples, and sometime before He fed the five thousand, he began ministering around Galilee, when Herod Antipas noticed, thinking it was John, risen from the dead.
Therefore, John had been dead for some short time, as recorded in: Matthew 14:1; Mark 6:14; Luke 9:7. All the early church Fathers agree to 2 B.C. as the birth of Christ, or the 41st year of Caesar Augustus reign. Jesus started His ministry in His 30th year, according to Luke 3:23. Therefore, His crucifixion was in 32 A.D. John the Baptist was imprisoned circa 29/30 A.D. He was undoubtedly beheaded within a year, about the time that Christ went up to Galilee.
Answer
Matthew 14:3-5 (The Message)
Herod had arrested John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison to placate Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias "adultery." Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid because so many people revered John as a prophet of God.
John the Baptist told Herod he couldn't have a relationship with Herodias, because Herodias was Herod's brother's wife, and that would be adultery. That's why Herod put John in jail. He wanted to kill him, but he was afraid to, because people thought of him as a prophet of God. However, because of Herodias's trick, Herod ends up having to behead John later. (verses 6-12)
Another Answer:
John the Baptist was imprisoned as a result of his own actions. He was willing to sacrifice his freedom and then his life because of what he believed.
John had publicly criticised Herod Antipas for his marriage to Herodias, the former wife of Antipas' own brother, which John said was immoral. The wedding took place in 34 CE and John was executed in 35 or early 36 CE on the orders of Herod Antipas, out of fear that he was stirring the Jews up for rebellion. The relevant text from Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews by the first-century Jewish 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."
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∙ 8y ago
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∙ 14y agoJohn was imprisoned because he criticized Herod Antipas for unrighteous behavior, particulary in ragerd to his marriage to Herodias, who was the divorced ex-wife of Herod's half brother Herod Phillip. At the time it was considered adultery to marry a divorced woman.
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∙ 10y ago"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."
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∙ 8y agoThe Jewish historian Josephus said that Herod Antipas had the Baptist imprisoned and killed because he disapproved of Antipas' marriage to his own brother's former wife, and Herod feared an uprising.
Josephus places the marriage of Antipas to his brother's former wife, Herodias, at the same time as, or shortly after, the death of Philip II, who he says died in the twentieth year of the reign of Tiberius. Therefore John was imprisoned in 35 CE and executed later that year or early in 36 CE. Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews continues: "About this time Aretas (the king of Arabia Petres) and Herod had a quarrel on the account following: Herod the tetrarch had, married the daughter of Aretas, and had lived with her a great while; but when he was once at Rome, he lodged with Herod, who was his brother indeed, but not by the same mother; for this Herod was the son of the high priest Sireoh's daughter. However, he fell in love with Herodias, this last Herod's wife, who was the daughter of Aristobulus their brother, and the sister of Agrippa the Great. This man ventured to talk to her about a marriage between them; which address, when she admitted, an agreement was made for her to change her habitation, and come to him as soon as he should return from Rome: one article of this marriage also was this, that he should divorce Aretas's daughter . . .Now many people came in crowds to [John the Baptist], 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."
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Did King Herod behead the apostle John or John the Baptist?
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."
Which of King Herod's wives had John the Baptist beheaded?
A:The gospel story of the beheading of John the Baptist concerns Herodias, wife of Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee and son of King Herod. The historical record frees her of blame for this act, since John the Baptist was actually executed in faraway Macherus and on the direct orders of Antipas, as stated by the first-century Jewish historian, Josephus. 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."
What made Herod the Tetrarch so angry with John?
After the death of King Herod the Great, his kingdom was divided amongst his sons. Herod Antipas became the tetrarch of Galilee. Antipas imprisoned John the Baptist because he disapproved of Antipas' marriage to his own brother's wife, who divorced her husband in order to marry Herod Antipas. According to the Gospels, Antipas reluctantly had John the Baptist beheaded at the capricious request of his daughter, during the time of Jesus in Galilee.However, we have one other source of information on John the Baptist. The Jewish historian Josephus said that Herod Antipas had the Baptist killed in quite different circumstances, because he feared a rebellion. 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."
Should Herod have kept the oath he made to his daughter?
According to the Gospels, Herod Antipas had John the Baptist beheaded at the capricious request of his daughter, during the time of Jesus in Galilee.However, the Jewish historian Josephus said that Herod Antipas had the Baptist killed in quite different circumstances, because he disapproved of Antipas' marriage to his own brother's wife, who divorced her husband in order to marry Herod Antipas. 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."So, according to Josephus, Herod Antipas made no oath or promise to his daughter, who was not actually involved in the execution of John the Baptist.
How was John the Baptist put to death the first time?
John the Baptist was only put to death one time. He was beheaded in prison by the king.
What is the name of the king that had John the Baptist arrested?
A:John the baptist was executed on the orders of Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch in the Roman Empire, not a king. The gospels say that John had been arrested for publicly criticising the marriage of Herod Antipas to his own brother's former wife, but that Herod did not wish to harm John. The daughter of Herodias danced for Herod Antipas at a party in Galilee, after which he offered her anything she wished. Prompted by her mother, Herodias, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. This could hardly be more different to the account told by the first-century historian, Josephus.Josephus tells us that Herod Antipas had John arrested and taken to faraway Macherus and executed, for fear that he would raise a rebellion among the Jews. Although John's criticism of the marriage was a factor, Herod was chiefly concerned about the possibility of John sparking an uprising. For this reason, he had John executed as quickly as possible. We are not told whether John the Baptist was actually beheaded, or executed in some other way. 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."
How long did John the Baptist stay in prison?
A:Based on the writings of of the first- century Jewish historian, Josephus, it seems likely that John spent very little time in prison. John was imprisoned after the wedding of Herod Antipas to Herodias in 34 CE, and executed before King Antipas of Nabatea attacked and defeated Herod in 36 CE, an event which the Jews believed was divine retribution for the execution of John the Baptist. This places John's arrest no earlier than 35 CE and his execution no later than 36 CE.There would have been some urgency on Herod's part in carrying out the execution, since Josephus says Herod feared that John could stir up a rebellion among the Jews. The relevant passage in Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18 says:"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."
Did Herod Antipas respect John the Baptist?
A:In the gospel accounts, Herod Antipas held a party in Galilee for the senior men. The daughter of his new wife, Herodias, entranced him with her dancing and he offered to give her anything she wanted. Herodias wanted John the Baptist dead for criticising her marriage to Antipas, after divorcing Philip, so she told her daughter to ask for John's head on a platter. Herod Antipas was loathe to have John killed, but was forced to keep his promise. The gospels suggest that Herod Antipas' reluctance was due to his respect for John. The historical account, provided by Josephus, is somewhat different. The gospel account is correct in that John the Baptist had publicly criticised Antipas' marriage to Herodias, which took place in 34 CE. But Herod himself had wanted John killed, lest he start an uprising among the people of Galilee. Herod Antipas' respect for John the Baptist was out of fear for the hold he had over the people and the damage John could do by continuing to criticise him. Herod's respect was such that wanted John dead as quickly as possible, in faraway Macherus where the execution could take place without causing a riot. In the historical account, there was no party in Galilee and no head on a platter. The relevant text from Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews says:"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."
Where did Herod and John the Baptist meet?
A:According to the gospels, Herod Antipas had John the Baptist was arrested and held in prison early in the mission of Jesus, probably around 29 CE. Herod Antipas' wife, Herodias, had a quarrel with John the Baptist and would have killed him if she could but, at a royal party in Galilee for the senior men of the kingdom, told her daughter to ask for his head on a platter. For John's head to be brought to the party during the course of a party, he must have been placed in a prison somewhere nearby, in Galilee. This account differs from that of the Jewish historian Josephus, who says that Herod Antipas had the Baptist arrested and killed in the castle of Macherus, east of the Dead Sea, 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."
Was it John the Baptist whom Herod had beheaded in the Bible?
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."
Did John the Baptist's execution have anything to do with Jesus' ministry?
No. Herod Antipas executed John the Baptist because he had publicly criticised Antipas' marriage to Herodias, which took place in 34 CE, and Herod feared an uprising if John were allowed to continue his criticisms and therefore had him executed. John the Baptist also died long after the ministry of Jesus in 35 or 36 CE, in the faraway castle of Macherus. The relevant text from Book 18 of Antiquities of the Jews says:"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."For some reason, the gospels place the death of John the Baptist at a party in Galilee in about 29 CE, when Jesus was only beginning his ministry. The gospels agree that John was arrested because of his criticism of Herod's marriage, but say that the daughter of Herod's new wife, Herodias, entranced him with her dancing and he offered to give her anything she wanted. Herodias wanted John the Baptist dead for criticising her marriage, so she told her daughter to ask for John's head on a platter. Although differing on the time, place and reason for the death of John, the gospel account agrees that John the Baptist's execution had nothing to do with Jesus' ministry.
What book in the bible is it found who plotted the execution of John the Baptist?
Herod Antipas was responsible for sending John to be beheaded because of a promise Herod made to the daughter of Herodious to give her anything she wanted.Her request was for John's head,which she (Herodious) had been wanting for a while , because of John's reproving comments about her adulterous relationship with Herod.This is mentioned in both Matthew and Mark's gospels.AnswerThe gospel story is not the only story of John the Baptist's death. The first-century historian, Josphus, must have been well-disposed towards Christianity, judging by his Testimonium Flavianum - even if he knew almost nothing about the new religion. But he apparently knew quite a lot about John the Baptist. Josephus tells us that Herod Antipas alone decided that John the Baptist should be executed. He had John imprisoned and executed in far away Macherus 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, and there was no request for John's head on a platter during a party in Galilee. In 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."
