Mark 6:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Contrary to his expectations, however, this John, despite his humble attire and ascetic lifestyle, emerged as a staunch moral teacher, exhibiting the courage to declare the very truths he espoused among the populace directly to the king and his court. Just as unrestrained in the palace as he was in the wilderness, he began to confront Herod about his unlawful marriage to Herod Philip's wife, denouncing such a sin openly. He likewise exposed other immoralities prevalent among those at court with equal fervor.

While Herod may not have seemed particularly furious at these rebukes—indeed, he even displayed a degree of respect for John's message (Mark 6:20)—Herodias, fueled by ambition and anger over John’s criticisms, exerted her influence over Herod to secure John's death. Ultimately, she succeeded, leading to John being imprisoned in the fortress of Maheru. Herod, however, had no immediate plans to execute him, partly due to the fact that many Galileans regarded John as a prophet and held him in high esteem, instilling in Herod a fear of backlash if he were to act too harshly (Matthew 14:5). Additionally, he was wary that persecuting such a holy man might provoke divine retribution (Mark 6:20). These apprehensions left Herod in a prolonged state of uncertainty regarding John’s fate, and it is conceivable that he might have eventually set John free, had it not been for Herodias seizing an opportunity to press for John's execution, as will be detailed further. Despite his imprisonment, Herod permitted John to maintain connections with his disciples.

This illustrates that Herod was deterred from carrying out Herodias' demand for John's death for two principal reasons: his concern about public opinion and his reverence for John. Mark does not indicate that Herod's hesitation stemmed solely from his respect for John's righteousness; rather, he feared the divine retribution that might follow from such an act. Herod was unwilling to forgo his regard for John merely to satisfy the wicked desires of his wife. Thus, despite being urged by Herodias, Herod may have contemplated John's death on multiple occasions, yet each time he was held back by his dread of both John and the public.

Acknowledging John's righteousness, the scripture states, “Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and cherished him; he did many things in obedience to him, and listened to him with pleasure” (Mark 6:20). Even Herod occasionally contemplated divine matters during his turmoil. His troubled conscience, superstition, an aversion to bloodshed, and the slow cruelty of Eastern legal systems contributed to John's prolonged survival. Sometimes, he was even allowed to meet with followers who risked their safety out of devotion. Meanwhile, the prophet's bold cries went unheard behind the prison's heavy doors, allowing the wicked couple to relish their illicit joys. Yet, such happiness is ever fragile; the unlawful union soon began to bear bitter consequences, causing anguish for Antipas. The consequences of lovelessness foretold in the law (Leviticus 20:21) materialized for him. Additionally, Aretas, his former father-in-law, began to threaten war, infuriated by the insult to his daughter, pressing Antipas to prepare for conflict. Unable to avert this disaster, Antipas ultimately faced a humiliating defeat and was compelled to seek the emperor's aid, relying on Roman troops to retain his kingship. It is possible that Christ alluded to such tumultuous times when he posed the question, “What king, going to war against another king, does not first sit down and consult whether he is strong enough with ten thousand to resist him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Otherwise, while he is still far away, he will send an embassy to him to ask for peace” (Luke 14:31-32). Conscience, awakened by the prophet’s rebuke, made it impossible for Herod to find peace, resonating like an ominous echo even from behind prison walls.

Herod Antipas found himself torn between the prospect of eliminating the relentless critic and the pressing concerns of his royal status, anxious to end the unrest stirred by John’s influence over the people. Herodias cunningly exacerbated the turmoil in her husband's heart, driving his thoughts toward the necessity of silencing John, especially given the threat he posed politically. Herod's delay and inner turmoil reflected his awareness of the immorality of his actions and the profound truth the prophet represented; he covertly respected John and occasionally sought his counsel. However, the vengeful Herodias would not tolerate this conflict, and after several failed attempts to achieve her goal through cruelty, she eventually succeeded through treachery. Antipas's hesitance between his unacknowledged reverence for John and the fierce ambitions of Herodias, coupled with his prolonged efforts to protect his life in a place where existence held little value, underscored John's exceptional stature. It is only a man of noble character who could have made such a lasting impact on a weak, self-centered ruler like Antipas, igniting a struggle against overwhelming evil, despite Antipas's profound anxiety and conscience, which temporarily safeguarded John's life. Ultimately, however, the relentless woman, spurred by her ambition and malice, achieved her desire by deceit when the opportunity arose.

He found enjoyment in listening to John's preaching, yet he continued to embrace his sin, much like those of feeble character. They may take delight in virtuous speech, feel compassion, and even shed tears, only to return to their flawed paths, indifferent to the harm they cause the speaker. They waver, remain uncertain, and are gripped by fear until some defining moment compels them back to their actions, often against their own better judgment. Such was the nature of Herod Antipas, as evidenced by the Gospel accounts and corroborated by the writings of Josephus Flavius.

Like the ancient prophet Elijah, who condemned the wickedness of Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 21:21, 23), John boldly confronted Herod, declaring, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife” (Mark 6:18). Herodias was, in fact, legally married to Herod Philip, who resided in Rome as a private citizen. However, motivated by ambition, she abandoned him and, contrary to the law that prohibited a man from marrying his brother’s wife while the brother was still alive (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), became the unlawful spouse of Herod Antipas. This unscrupulous woman sought to eliminate John for denouncing her sinful union, but instead, her manipulative pleas led Herod Antipas to merely imprison him. Herod hesitated to grant Herodias' deadly request, fearing the people (Matthew 14:5) and, indeed, knowing of John’s righteousness and holiness (Mark 6:20), which made him wary of incurring divine retribution for John’s death. Consequently, these apprehensions caused Herod to value his prisoner greatly, treating him with care, following many of his directives, and listening to him with enjoyment (v. 20). This regard for John is reflected in the fact that he was allowed some freedom during his imprisonment, wherein he could communicate freely with his disciples, receiving updates on Christ's ministry and sending messages to Him (Matthew 11:2).