Mark 6_14_29 notes

Opportunity to Repent of Sin (6:14–29)

Herod Antipas was only the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, but he liked to be known as king. He had married his niece Herodias, who had left her husband Herod Philip to form this evil alliance; and John the Baptist rebuked him (Lev. 18:16). Herodias wanted her husband to kill John, but Herod compromised by putting John in prison and occasionally listening to him preach. Herod heard the greatest prophet God ever sent and yet refused to submit to the Word of God. The phrase “did many things” (v. 20) can be translated “was in a state of perplexity” (Wuest). Herod’s indecision made him a murderer, for instead of heeding the Word, he tried to silence the Word by killing John the Baptist. A year later, when Jesus stood before Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6–12), the Son of God refused to speak to him, for Herod had once and for all silenced the voice of God. Herod wasted all his God-given opportunities.

Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992), 117.

M. The Servant’s Forerunner Beheaded (6:14–29)

6:14–16 When news reached King Herod that a miracle-worker was traveling through the land, he immediately concluded that it was John the Baptist … risen from the dead. Others said it was Elijah or one of the other prophets, but Herod was convinced that the man whom he had beheaded had risen. John the Baptist had been a voice from God. Herod had silenced that voice. Now the terrible pangs of conscience were stabbing Herod for what he had done. He would learn that the way of the transgressor is hard.

6:17–20 The narrative now switches back to the time of John’s execution. The Baptizer had reproved Herod for entering into an unlawful marriage with his brother Philip’s wife. Herodias, now Herod’s wife, became furious and vowed to take revenge. But Herod respected John as a holy man and thwarted her efforts.

6:21–25 Finally her chance came. At Herod’s birthday party, with local celebrities attending, Herodias arranged for her daughter to dance. This so pleased Herod that he promised to give the girl anything up to half his kingdom. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

6:26–28 The king was trapped. Against his own desires and better judgment, he granted the request. Sin had woven its web around him, and the vassal king was victimized by an evil woman and by a sensual dance.

6:29 When John’s faithful disciples heard what had happened, they claimed his corpse and buried it, then went and told Jesus.

William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1335.