Mark 6:20

because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John's words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly.

Study Bible

because Herod feared John and protected him
Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, feared John the Baptist due to John's influence and the moral authority he held among the people. Herod's fear was not just political but also personal, as he recognized John's integrity and the potential divine judgment for harming a prophet. This protection can be seen as a reluctant respect for John's character and message, despite Herod's eventual capitulation to Herodias's demands. This reflects the tension between political power and spiritual authority, a theme seen throughout the Bible, such as in the interactions between Pharaoh and Moses.

knowing that he was a righteous and holy man
John the Baptist's reputation as a righteous and holy man was well-known, and even Herod acknowledged this. Righteousness in biblical terms often refers to living in accordance with God's laws, while holiness implies being set apart for God's purposes. John's lifestyle, message of repentance, and baptism for the forgiveness of sins set him apart as a prophet. This recognition by Herod highlights the universal acknowledgment of John's moral and spiritual authority, similar to how even non-believers recognized the integrity of figures like Daniel in the Old Testament.

When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed
Herod's perplexity upon hearing John's words suggests an internal conflict. While he was intrigued by John's message, it also challenged his lifestyle and authority. This mirrors the reaction of many who encounter the truth of God's word, as seen in Acts 24:25, where Felix is alarmed by Paul's message. The perplexity indicates a struggle between conviction and the unwillingness to change, a common human experience when confronted with divine truth.

yet he listened to him gladly
Despite his perplexity, Herod found a certain pleasure in listening to John. This indicates that Herod was drawn to the truth and the power of John's message, even if he was not willing to fully embrace it. This paradox of being drawn to yet resisting the truth is seen in other biblical accounts, such as King Agrippa's reaction to Paul's testimony in Acts 26:28. Herod's gladness in listening to John suggests a recognition of the truth and beauty in John's message, even if it was not fully accepted.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Herod Antipas
The tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, son of Herod the Great. He is known for his complex relationship with John the Baptist, whom he both feared and respected.

2. John the Baptist
A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his call to repentance and his baptism of Jesus. He is described as a "righteous and holy man" in this passage.

3. Herodias
The wife of Herod Antipas, formerly married to his brother Philip. Herod's marriage to her was condemned by John the Baptist, leading to tension and ultimately John's imprisonment.

4. Galilee
The region over which Herod Antipas ruled. It is significant as the setting for much of Jesus' ministry and the events surrounding John the Baptist.

5. Prison
The place where John the Baptist was held by Herod. It symbolizes the tension between worldly power and divine truth.

Teaching Points

The Fear of God vs. the Fear of Man
Herod feared John because he recognized his righteousness, yet he was more concerned with his own reputation and power. Believers are called to prioritize the fear of God over the fear of man.

The Power of a Righteous Life
John's life and message had a profound impact on Herod, demonstrating the influence a righteous and holy life can have even on those in power.

The Danger of Compromise
Herod's perplexity and eventual decision to imprison John illustrate the danger of compromising one's convictions for the sake of political or personal gain.

Listening with an Open Heart
Herod listened to John gladly, yet his heart was not truly open to change. True listening involves a willingness to be transformed by the truth.

The Cost of Speaking Truth
John's boldness in speaking against Herod's unlawful marriage serves as a reminder of the potential cost of standing for truth in a world that often opposes it.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Herod's fear of John reflect the tension between worldly power and divine truth? How can we apply this understanding in our own lives when facing authority figures?

2. In what ways does John's righteousness and holiness challenge us to live a life that impacts others, even those who may oppose us?

3. How can we guard against the danger of compromise in our own spiritual walk, as seen in Herod's actions?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are not just listening to God's Word, but also allowing it to transform our hearts and actions?

5. How does the example of John the Baptist encourage us to speak truth boldly, even when it may lead to personal cost or persecution? How can we find strength in other scriptures that address persecution for righteousness' sake?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 14:1-12
This passage provides a parallel account of Herod's interactions with John the Baptist, including the events leading to John's execution.

Luke 9:7-9
Herod's curiosity about Jesus is highlighted, showing his ongoing intrigue with prophetic figures and the message of repentance.

Acts 24:24-26
Similar to Herod's perplexity, Felix, a Roman governor, is described as being intrigued by Paul's message, yet ultimately unwilling to commit to the truth.