Mark 6:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let both Jews and Gentiles recognize that Christians are the defenders, stewards, leaders, and educators of this city; let the immoral and licentious understand this as well, that they should tremble at the presence of God's servants. They must realize that if they intend to utter such blasphemy, they ought to look around in fear, lest a Christian overhear and vehemently oppose them.

Consider John's actions: he observed the tyrant violating the sacred marriage laws and spoke fearlessly in the marketplace, proclaiming, “You shall not have your brother's wife." I do not bring you to confront a tyrant, a judge, or unlawful unions, nor do I seek to address grievances among fellow servants. Rather, I promote the dignity of correcting one who has insulted the Sovereign. Would you think me insane if I urged you to correct kings and judges who defy the law? Yet John did just that; hence, we too possess the authority to do the same. Therefore, at the very least, confront your fellow servant, your equal, and even should it lead to your death, never cease to admonish your brother. This act shall be your martyrdom. John was indeed a martyr; he was not commanded to make sacrifices or worship idols; rather, he offered his life for the sacred laws when they were violated. Similarly, you too should strive unwaveringly for the truth, and the Lord will stand by you.

Do not utter such coldhearted sentiments as “What concern is it of mine? I share nothing with him.” We have no affiliation with the devil, but we possess much in common with all others. They share our nature, reside on the same earth, partake of the same sustenance, serve the same Master, abide by the same laws, and are called to the same good as we are. Thus, let us refrain from claiming that we have nothing in common with our fellow humans; such thoughts echo the inhumanity of Satan. Instead, let us exhibit the care due to our brothers. I assure you, with complete confidence, that if all present here are willing to share the responsibility for the salvation of our fellow citizens, restoration will swiftly follow. Although this part of the city might seem small and few in number, it is greatly esteemed in faith. Let us collaboratively undertake the mission of rescuing our brethren. One person, driven by zealous passion, can spark reform throughout an entire community. When not only one, two, or three but a multitude take up the mantle of caring for the indifferent, we must acknowledge that it is our own negligence, and not a lack of strength, that leads many to despair and destruction.

Is it not foolishness that when we witness a fight in the square, we rush to reconcile the combatants? Indeed, are we not quick to assist a fallen donkey, lifting it back to its feet? Yet we neglect our brothers who are perishing! The blasphemer is akin to the donkey, overwhelmed with burdens and in need of rescue. Therefore, let us endeavor to lift him up, both in word and deed, with gentleness and conviction; let our remedial actions be diverse. If we arrange our approach in this manner and prioritize the salvation of our neighbors, we will soon become cherished and esteemed in their sight. Most importantly, we shall partake in the promised blessings to come, which we may all attain by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him, and with Him to the Father, through the Holy Spirit, be glory, power, and honor, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

This prophet, indeed more than merely a prophet, did not condone immoral unions, but rather stood resolute in defense of the honor that was being violated. May this inspiring account remind us that even in times when persecution is not overt, the path to martyrdom remains ever accessible. Did anyone compel John to approach the altar or to burn incense? Who forced him to offer sacrifices or libations? No one commanded him to "deny God," nor did anyone demand he "sacrifice to idols." In the name of truthfulness and chastity, he boldly rebuked and thereby became a martyr for virtue. His declaration to the king, "You shall not have your brother's wife," illustrates the triumph of righteousness over wickedness.

Herod, a king surrounded by luxury and power, is confronted by John, a man of humble means, without a homeland, living on basic sustenance. The one clothed in camel's hair reproaches the one draped in royal robes; he who wanders the wilderness admonishes the ruler of busy cities. He who gathers locusts and consumes wild honey dares to challenge the one indulging in lavish feasts. Although kings may appear to wield limitless authority, even they must heed the truth: “All things are permitted to me, but not all things are beneficial” (1 Cor. 6:12).

He had the chance to be silent, yet he deemed it inappropriate to remain quiet for the sake of avoiding death, thus preserving his prophetic integrity instead of flattering the king. He acknowledged that to honor righteousness was worth more than the preservation of his own life. After all, what could be more advantageous for a righteous individual than achieving the glory of martyrdom?

Allow your thoughts to rest softly and do not give life to what could spell disaster for our lineage; for both you and I, as well as Herod, will be driven to madness. If John were to perish, everything would fall dead through us, and we would be buried, leaving behind a legacy of wickedness that is eternal and untimely.”

“What has transpired, O young woman; what has suddenly come over you? How can I protect John? Have you preferred one who despises our lives over your own mother? Yet, are you not aware, dear child, of what he advised Herod concerning me? ‘It is unlawful,’ he says, ‘for you to have your brother Philip's wife; send her away.’ Thus, I intend to sever this unpleasant dialogue with John. I shall choose the moment to silence him completely, or better still, to take away his very head; and afterward, I shall not mourn, for I will secure for myself a genuine life free from pretense."

“We would bring shame, O mother, not upon another but upon ourselves and our own existence, just as Jezebel, who sought to destroy the righteous Elijah, ultimately harmed herself more. But Elijah, in his zeal, and John, in his adherence to the law, rebuked us. This hermit firmly reminded Herod of the pure truth, saying: ‘It is not lawful for you!’ This same ancient man once before restrained the rains upon King Ahab through his earnest prayer. Therefore, O mother, abandon this intention now and the threat will dissipate; do not perpetuate the disgrace of the fleeting.”

“Learn from me, audacious one, not to provoke me with your counsel before you comprehend fully. You currently cannot grasp it, for you lack understanding. If John continues to insult me while remaining alive, then all will disregard me, speaking of me as an ordinary woman rather than as a queen; viewing me as a commoner’s wife devoid of glory. Be silent, young one, for I foresee outcomes more beneficial than you and many others; I understand how to attain lasting honor rather than that which is merely temporal.”

“I question you, O mother, when do you intend to carry this out? In daylight or under the cover of night? Your malicious intent is suited only for the darkness. For what reason is it to be cut short? Who would raise their sword against the prophet of Christ?” “As my daughter, aid your mother in eliminating my adversary, and await the opportune moment.” “I implore you, mother, let no one shed innocent blood in my name. Just as Zechariah was wrongfully slain, so must John be cut down, yet I shall feel no remorse, lest I endure an eternal wound instead of a fleeting one.”

“How pitiful and wretched you are; is John held in honor no more than the womb that carried you? In your madness, did not the Baptist seem of greater worth to you? Are you not ashamed of my breasts that nourished you? Oh, if only I had not committed this folly! Why did I labor against myself to rear one who vexes me with her defiance? Why did I dare to unite myself with the king, merely to safeguard that which distresses me? Thus, I grieve. May my wishes come to fruition; fulfill my desires, even if begrudgingly.”

“Now, I will keep silent and not divulge to this wicked woman what I plan to do, lest my parent discover my intentions and desires and bring punishment upon me, thoughts that have been mulled over and spoken aloud many times before the king by my mother.”

To his astonishment, John did not align with his assumptions. Despite his humble attire and austere lifestyle, John was a man of high moral standing, one who boldly proclaimed the truths he shared with the public even in the presence of the king and his household. In Herod’s palace, he spoke out against the king for taking Herod Philip’s wife, condemning the other immoral behaviors prevalent in the court. Herod himself did not react with great anger towards these accusations; in fact, he took to listening to John with some respect (Mark 6:20). However, Herodias, driven by ambition and resentment towards John’s criticisms for leaving her first husband, exerted her influence on Herod to have John executed. Ultimately, she succeeded in persuading him, leading to John’s imprisonment in the fortress of Maheru.

Herod's intention was not to go beyond incarceration, partly due to the Galileans viewing John as a prophet, which made Herod reluctant to treat him too harshly out of fear of inciting public outrage (Matthew 14:5), and partly because he feared that persecuting a man so pleasing to God could result in divine judgment against him (Mark 6:20). Consequently, Herod found himself in a prolonged state of uncertainty regarding John, and it was only through a moment of rashness that Herodias seized the opportunity to have John killed, as we will explore further. During his imprisonment, Herod permitted John to maintain the companionship of his disciples.

Mark recounts that Herod took measures to protect John, not from Herodias, but likely from the scheming factions among the Jewish leaders. Stationed in Bethabara, where John conducted baptisms, John drew significant crowds, which made Herod wary of the political repercussions of harming him. Herod's attempts to safeguard John were ultimately overwhelmed by Herodias' persistent animosity, leading him to imprison John in the fortress of Macheron, located east of the Dead Sea. This marked the end of John's prophetic ministry, the last herald of the Old Covenant.

In the scripture, it is affirmed that while Jesus Himself did not perform baptisms, His disciples did engage in the act. However, the nature of their baptisms differed from John's, as both lacked the full grace of the Holy Spirit, a notion discussed by Church Fathers. It appears the disciples ceased baptizing after Jesus departed Judea for Galilee, with the commission to baptize all nations being bestowed upon the Apostles only after Christ's Resurrection.

This is the grievous death of the illustrious forerunner and baptizer of the Lord, John, recognized not only as the greatest among prophets but also as the most significant figure born of woman, embodying the pinnacle of human potential.

This remarkable individual, deserving of reverence as a paragon of human ideals, met with a most dreadful and dishonorable end—by the hands of an executioner acting on the orders of a morally negligible figure, who fell victim to the treacherous schemes of a vengeful woman guilty of her own crimes. The accounts of this event are briefly recounted by the Evangelists (Mt 14:1-12, Mk 6:14-29, Lk 9:7-9), yet historical analysis allows for a detailed examination that reveals how folly and passion can lead to extreme lawlessness and terrible acts.

The children of Herod the Great inherited his vile, treacherous, and indulgent nature. They rarely coexisted in harmony, often embroiled in intrigues and feuds, each seeking to undermine the others through deceit, manipulation, and slander in Rome. Among these characters, Herod Antipas stood out, embroiled in rivalries with his brothers while pandering to the Romans in his quest for wealth and power. He hosted extravagant banquets funded by the resources of entire regions, basking in the praise of Roman poets for his lavish entertainments. An adherent of Sadduceeism, he cared little for faith but valued only wealth and pleasure, deriving his happiness from the suffering of his people and kin.

Already entangled in various sins and injustices, Antipas’s corrupted nature craved ever more nefarious delights, eventually leading him to a dreadfully sinful relationship. In approximately A.D. 27 or 28, he traveled to Jerusalem, joining others to address Pilate's provocative decision regarding the display of dedicated shields honoring Tiberius, a matter that stirred profound unrest among the populace. Herod Antipas, as a notable figure even within Roman circles, received a warm welcome from his half-brother Philip, who was married to the ambitious Herodias. Antipas, with his knowledge of the glamorous yet treacherous Roman court life, captivated Herodias, who at thirty-five felt undeterred by age despite having a grown daughter. Their reckless passion clouded their judgment, resulting in a betrayal of Philip, fueled by a newfound illicit relationship.

Eager for further Roman favors, Antipas hastened to Rome, setting plans into motion to meet openly with Herodias, necessitating divorces from both Philip and his own wife, the daughter of the powerful Arabian king, Arete. Anticipating difficulties—and fearing retribution from the grieving father—Antipas found matters unexpectedly uncomplicated. His betrayed wife, upon discovering the truth of his infidelity, chose to leave him and was subsequently taken by her father, who declared their marriage annulled. Herodias then quietly moved into Antipas's palace in Tiberias.

This scandalous affair unfolded in the very region where John preached, likely shocking the local populace who recognized the inherent danger of enraging a powerful neighbor. Moreover, both public law and its enforcers condemned the union of a man with his brother's wife, leading to discord even within the Herodian family. This abominable marriage irrevocably strained Antipas's ties, as he was typically cautious not to offend the religious sentiments of the people, leaving his kingdom vulnerable to retaliation from the irate Arete. While this lawlessness brought a sense of impending disaster, the people remained subdued under the weight of Roman authority and their morally compromised rulers, who viewed them merely as a source of taxation.

In this context, John the Baptist rose to become the voice of the people. Preaching near Tiberias, he could swiftly confront Antipas in his luxurious palace, echoing the spirit of his great predecessor Elijah with the stern proclamation, “Thou shalt not have thy brother’s wife!” The morally conflicted Antipas, aware of John’s reputation as a prophet, felt fear grip his conscience. However, lacking fortitude, Antipas ultimately yielded to the shameless Herodias, who represented a modern-day Jezebel. Citing public safety, Antipas sought to silence the disruptive prophet who attracted crowds with audacious ideas.

At this juncture, Antipas resided either in Tiberias or Maher, near the southern border of Perea. The religious authorities and scribes, feeling impotent against John’s influence, found in Antipas a tool for silencing what they deemed a rogue teacher. Perhaps urged by the fear of public dissent and at the prompting of Pilate, Antipas executed a tragic decision. He dispatched soldiers to where John preached by the Jordan River, ordering his arrest, likely under the cover of night to avoid public scrutiny. The defenseless prophet was taken to the dark prison of Maher, a fortress known for its high, rocky elevation overlooking the Dead Sea.

This castle, a strategic hold, was renowned in ancient times and later reconstructed by Herod for defense against Arab forces. Within its formidable walls, John languished in a grim dungeon, while Herod Antipas and his courtiers reveled in luxury. The magnificent views from the palace contrasted sharply with John’s grim captivity, as he endured solitude within the castle even as the echoes of celebration reverberated around him. The desolate landscape, dotted with palm trees and vines, spoke of both natural beauty and despair. Despite his imprisonment, John remained connected in spirit to the people who looked to him with unwavering faith, ignited by the lingering influence of God that stirred their hearts.

At times, he yielded to her schemes and entertained the notion of executing John—likely driven by his own motivations—yet he remained paralyzed by fear. He feared the reaction of the populace, as indicated in Matthew 14:5, and was also wary of John’s righteousness, which commanded his respect. This inherent conflict within Herod—where the treachery of Herodias clashed with his reluctant reverence for John's virtue—plunged him into a state of indecision. Although he took measures to safeguard John from Herodias' lethal intentions, he simultaneously confined him, unable to bring himself to carry out the execution.

John, akin to the ancient prophet Elijah who railed against Ahab and Jezebel, boldly confronted Herod, declaring, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herod Philip, John’s brother, resided in Rome and was legitimately married to Herodias, yet driven by ambition, she abandoned him and, disregarding the law forbidding a brother to marry his sibling's wife while he lived, became the wife of Herod Antipas. This wicked woman desired to quickly eliminate John for condemning her improper union, but her charms and entreaties only succeeded in persuading Herod Antipas to seize him and confine him. Herod refrained from fulfilling Herodias' deadly desire, for, according to the Gospels, he feared the people, realizing that John was a righteous and holy man, whose death could bring divine retribution upon him. This trepidation led Herod to value his prisoner, continually honoring him, attending to his wishes, and delighting in his counsel. This admiration led to John enjoying a degree of autonomy during his incarceration in the dungeon; he could freely communicate with his disciples, receiving updates about the works of Christ, which he then relayed to Christ.