13
They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
John the Baptist Beheaded
14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
15
Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.”
16
But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!”
17
For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married.
18
For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
19
So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to,
20
because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled ; yet he liked to listen to him.
21
Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.
22
When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.”
23
And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”