1
At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard the reports about Jesus.
2
So he said to his servants, "Jesus is John the Baptist, who has risen from the dead. That is why he can work these miracles."
3
Sometime before this, Herod had arrested John, tied him up, and put him into prison. Herod did this because of Herodias, who had been the wife of Philip, Herod's brother.
4
John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to be married to Herodias."
5
Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they believed John was a prophet.
6
On Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests, and she pleased him.
7
So he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted.
8
Herodias told her daughter what to ask for, so she said to Herod, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter."
9
Although King Herod was very sad, he had made a promise, and his dinner guests had heard him. So Herod ordered that what she asked for be done.