Matthew 14:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In earlier narratives concerning John's life, Matthew chose not to reference certain events as his intent was solely to focus on matters relating to Christ. He would refrain from mentioning them now if they did not pertain to Christ. John boldly confronted Herod for unlawfully having his brother’s wife. The Scriptures mandated that a brother should marry his brother's widow if he passed away without children. However, Philip had not died childless, for he had a daughter who performed a dance. Some assert that while Philip was still alive, Herod seized both his wife and his rule. Regardless, Herod's actions were in violation of the law.

Historical accounts reveal that Philip, the son of Herod the Elder during the period when the Lord sought refuge in Egypt, and the brother of Herod under whom Christ endured suffering, married Herodias, the daughter of King Aretha. Subsequently, due to suspicions regarding his son-in-law, the father-in-law took his daughter away and, to the sorrow of her first husband, forged a matrimonial alliance with his adversary, Herod. The evangelist Luke provides further details about this Philip: In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar’s reign, when Pontius Pilate governed Judea, Herod acted as tetrarch in Galilee while Philip, his brother, was tetrarch in Iturea and the region of Trachonitis (Luke 3:1).

John admonished Herod for marrying his brother’s wife in violation of the law. He had two primary reasons for this rebuke: first, because he had unlawfully seized both his brother's spouse and his brother's authority while his brother was still alive; secondly, because he had taken her as his own, even though she had a daughter by him. Both actions were against the commandments of the law. The law permitted the taking of a brother's wife, but only after the brother's death and not when she had children with him.

It has been emphasized that engaging with the Gospel necessitates careful consideration due to the profound insights that can be gained from the accounts of its events. While the sequence of the narrative follows its own structure, there exists an intended significance beneath the surface of what is conveyed, exemplified by the interactions between Herod and John. John advanced from the foundation of the law, which anticipated Christ, thereby proclaiming the message of Christ sourced in the law itself. Conversely, Herod, as the leader of the people, embodies their identity and concerns. In this context, John admonished Herod against marrying his brother's wife. Hence, there exist two distinct groups – one comprising the circumcised and the other the Gentiles.

Endure threats, maltreatment, and imprisonment—this can often be the fate of those chosen to declare the divine truth to worldly authorities. Saint John courageously confronted Herod and openly admonished him for his immoral and seductive lifestyle. Rather than heeding Saint John's life-saving counsel, the corrupt ruler chose to imprison him. Yet, how glorious it is for the herald of the Messiah to stand firm in advocating for God's work, even at the cost of personal freedom, blood, and life! Do not let your hearts be troubled, faithful servants of the Lord, when the world weighs you down with offenses; fulfilling your sacred calling inevitably invites unjust persecution.

John sought to influence Herod through reason rather than condemnation; his aim was to lead him toward reform rather than push him toward ruin. However, Herod chose the path of destruction over the path of humility. To those who are imprisoned by their wrongdoings, the innocence of others can become a source of resentment. Virtue stands in stark contrast to vice, and the purity of holiness is alarming to those who engage in sacrilege. Chastity opposes wickedness, integrity confronts dishonesty, and moderation challenges excess. Compassion cannot coexist with cruelty, honor cannot accept dishonor, and justice cannot abide injustice. The evangelist illustrates this when he writes, 'John said unto him, Thou shalt not have her.' In this way, John becomes a target.

Herod had seized John, shackled him, and confined him in a dark prison within the fortress of Maherus, located on the fringes of the desolate wilderness of Arabia, to the northeast of the Dead Sea, across the Jordan River. The wicked ruler was unable to tolerate the condemnation from the bold prophet of the desert, Herodias, who was the wife of his brother Philip; this was particularly because John had confronted him, stating, "You shall not have her."

During that period, John found himself confined to prison. The events leading to his incarceration were tied to his ministry in Perea, where Herod Antipas served as tetrarch, with Tiberias as his main city in Galilee. Inheriting his father's suspicious demeanor, Herod kept a close watch on all activities within his jurisdiction. Upon learning that John had attracted a significant number of followers, he perceived him as a potential threat. To satisfy his curiosity and validate his suspicions, he sought to summon John to his court. However, he soon discovered that his assumptions about John were mistaken.

Among the Hebrew texts, a distinction can be found between Matthew and Mark. To begin with, Matthew attributes the desire to eliminate John to Herod himself, while Mark ascribes this intent solely to his unlawful wife, Herodias. Furthermore, in Matthew's account, Herod hesitated to execute John due to concerns about public opinion, whereas Mark presents Herod as being fearful of John, whom he perceived as a just and holy figure and whose counsel he often followed.

John the Baptist's captivity was a consequence of Herod Antipas's actions. Herod Antipas, son of Herod, who had previously ordered the massacre of the children in Bethlehem, held dominion over Galilee and Perea. He had taken Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, as his own, a union that was explicitly condemned by the Scriptures, as noted in Leviticus 18:16. Consequently, John confronted Herod for his flagrant transgression.

After releasing the disciples, the Savior resumed His mission of preaching, traveling through towns and villages, performing acts of kindness for the suffering humanity. During this time, a significant event took place that symbolized the impending clash of evil against the heralds of the Kingdom of Heaven—John the Baptist, the greatest prophet born of women, was cruelly executed. His fearless proclamation of truth had led him to languish long in a dark prison, yet even in that dire place, he continued to proclaim his condemnations, particularly targeting Herod Antipas, who governed Galilee following Herod the Great's demise.

The evangelist then recounts the specific event. Why did he not mention it earlier? His primary focus was on the mission of Christ. The evangelists refrained from including any unnecessary details, only presenting information that would support their central objective. Thus, they would not have referred to this event had it not involved Christ and if Herod had not claimed that John had been raised.

John was imprisoned in the fortress of Mahere, located on the northeastern shore of the Dead Sea, situated at the boundary of Herod Antipas’s territory and that of the Arab king Arete.

Following the solemn proclamation of Christ, the great herald of the truth quickly found himself in confinement after fulfilling his mission. While under the rule of Herod Antipas, a leader characterized by his frivolity, weakness, and indulgence in pleasures, John the Baptist provoked suspicion. Herod was apprehensive that the crowds drawn to John might incite unrest amid the tumultuous times, leading him to believe it prudent to protect himself from unexpected repercussions. Furthermore, John’s bold condemnation of the prevailing vices and his unvarnished proclamation of the truth angered Herodias, Herod's unlawful wife.