[1] At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, [2] And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. [3] For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. [4] For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. [5] And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. [6] But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. [7] Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. [8] And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. [9] And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. [10] And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. [11] And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. [12] And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
Verse 1 Expanded Bible Comments
| At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| When did Herod hear about Jesus? | This appears to be shortly after Jesus had given the seven Kingdom Parables (in chapter 13.) |
Verse 2 Expanded Bible Comments
| And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What did Herod say concerning John the Baptist? | That John had come back from the dead. |
| Why would he say such a thing? | Two reasons come to mind. 1) Herod had fallen into the trap of believing some of the Greek philosophers who said that the dead are not really dead. 2) He believed John to be a prophet and when he heard of Jesus performing mighty works he made the connection to John. It appears that, at least in some ways, Herod was a fearful man who knew he had not lived a righteous life and was concerned what may await him after his own death. |
Verses 3-5 Expanded Bible Comments
| For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. [4] For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. [5] And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why did Herod put John in prison? | Because he reminded King Herod that, according to the law of God, he was not permitted to mary his brother's wife. |
| What would Herod have done to John and what prevented him from doing it? | He would have had John killed, but, because they considered John to be a prophet from God, Herod was afraid it might cause the people to rebel against him. He was fearful of losing both his kingship and his life. |
Verse 6-8 Expanded Bible Comments
| But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. [7] Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. [8] And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What was the occasion on which this part of the account took place? | Herod's birthday. |
| Who was Herodias? | The illegitimate wife of King Herod. She had been the wife of Philip the brother of Herod. Thus the Herod and Herodias were living in adultery. |
| Who was Salome? | The beautiful daughter of the King's (illegitimate) wife. |
| What did she do? | Danced before the King (apparently in a provocative manner.) |
| What was the effect on the King? | He was willing to give her anything she wanted. |
| What did Salome (the daughter of Herodias) ask the king for? | The head of John the Baptist. |
| From where did Salome get that idea? | From her mother Herodias. |
Verses 9-11 Expanded Bible Comments
| And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. [10] And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. [11] And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How did the King feel about her request? | He was sorry. |
| Why then did the King do as Herodias requested? | Because he had sworn an oath before the nobles(?) who were there. |
| When Salome received her request, what did she do with it? | She gave it to her mother. |
Verse 12 Expanded Bible Comments
| And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What did John's disciples do? | They buried John's body and then told Jesus what had happened. |
Please read R4609 | |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it that makes us think this may be a type? | |
| Who/What would John the Baptist picture – and why? | The church in the flesh. – Mal. 4:5-6; Matt. 11:13-14 |
| Who/What would King Herod picture – and why? | The civil power. A King is a ruler of a kingdom, its chief magistrate, the head of the government (civil power.) |
| Who/What would Herodias picture – and why? | Herodias had illegally joined with a king. A woman in prophecy usually pictures a church. Since this woman illegally joined with a king (as an harlot) she would naturally picture the church of Rome. Rev. 17 |
| Who/What would Salome (daughter of Herodias) picture – and why? | The Protestant churches. These (like her mother – Rev. 17:4-5) had joined in a union with the symbolic kings, church-state union. |
| What is pictured by the imprisonment of John the Baptist? | B260:2-B261:2 |
| What is pictured by his beheading? | If John the Baptist is in some degree typical of the Elijah class (the true church) then this would have to do with the church (or at least a representative part of it) being put to death during the time of trouble. |
| What is pictured by his disciples burying his body? | |
| What were Pastor Russell's expectations regarding this picture (type?) | That the nominal church (especially the protestants) would entice the civil powers to persecute and kill the saints. He also stated of this: "Whether or not this is to be a part of the antitype remains to be seen." – R5569 |
| Has anything like this happened during or since Brother Russell's day? |
[13] When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. [14] And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. [15] And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. [16] But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. [17] And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. [18] He said, Bring them hither to me. [19] And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. [20] And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. [21] And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
Parallel accounts: Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14
Verses 13-14 Expanded Bible Comments
| When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. [14] And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| When Jesus heard of John's death, how did he react? | He separated himself "into a desert place apart," i.e., he went to be by himself, probably to absorb and consider the news about John. |
| What did the people do when they heard that Jesus had gone into the desert? | "They followed him on foot out of the cities." |
| When Jesus saw "a great multitude" what was his reaction? | He "was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." |
Verses 15-16 Expanded Bible Comments
| And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. [16] But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What did Jesus' disciples request of him and why? | To send the multitude away because it was late and they needed to get food and lodging for the night. |
| How did Jesus respond? | You feed them. |
Verses 17-18 Expanded Bible Comments
| And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. [18] He said, Bring them hither to me. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How did the disciples respond to Jesus? | There are thousands and we only have five loaves and two fish. |
| What did Jesus tell them to do? | Bring them to Jesus. |
Verses 19-21 Expanded Bible Comments
| And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. [20] And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. [21] And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What did Jesus do next? | Had everyone sit in an orderly fashion (by fifties – Mark, Luke.) |
| Before distributing the food, what did Jesus do? | Prayed to the Father. |
| What did Jesus do with the bread and fish? | "Brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples." |
| What did they do with the food? | Gave to the multitude. |
| How many were fed? | 5,000 men plus women and children. |
| What lessons might we learn from this? | While we are to "provide things honest in the sight of all men" Rom. 12:17, and "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" Ecc. 9:10, yet we still look to Jesus to provide the things needful, even when we appear to be doing not so well. |
[22] And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. [23] And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. [24] But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. [26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. [27] But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. [28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. [29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. [31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? [32] And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. [33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
Verses 22-23 Expanded Bible Comments
| And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. [23] And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why did Jesus send his disciples ahead while he stayed behind and dispersed the multitude? | It allowed hid disciples to be apart from him and gave them time to contemplate the miracle they had just been a part of. |
| Is there a lesson here for us? | When we receive a lesson from the Lord, whether by experience or by teaching (class study, discourse, etc.) we need to take the time to consider it. Take the time to dwell on the Spiritual things which the Lord has provided. |
| What did Jesus do next? | He went into the mountain (apart from the multitude and apart from his disciples) and prayed to the Father. |
| What lessons might we gain from this? | We need too need to spend "alone time" with the Father in prayer. |
Verses 24-26 Expanded Bible Comments
| But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. [25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. [26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What were the conditions around the boat carrying the disciples? | The ship was being tossed by the waves of the sea. |
| Where do we find Jesus in the scene? | He was approaching the ship, walking on the water. |
| How did the disciples react when they first saw Jesus? | They were afraid thinking it to be a spirit (fallen angel.) |
| When is the fourth watch in the night? | About 3 A.M. to 6 A.M., the one corresponding to those who "watch for the morning." |
Verses 27-29 Expanded Bible Comments
| But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. [28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. [29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| When Jesus heard them cry out for fear, what did he do? | He let them know it was not a spirit but that it was him. |
| How did Peter react? | Invite me to come to you on the water. |
| What characteristics were manifested in Peter at that time? | Faith. Impetuous zeal. |
| Did Jesus warn him not to do this? | No. He invited him to come to him on the water. |
| Did Peter walk on the water? | Yes. He walked on the water towards Jesus. |
Verses 30-33 Expanded Bible Comments
| But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. [31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? [32] And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. [33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What happened when Peter looked around and saw the conditions? | His faith wavered and he began to sink. He did not attempt to be "macho" and fix the situation himself but he called for Jesus to save him. |
| What did Jesus do? | Jesus caught him with his hand. |
| What did Jesus say? | O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? |
| What happened next? | They got onto the ship and the wind ceased. |
| What did the disciples say? | "Thou art the Son of God." |
| Do we find another place in scripture where the Lord's people are on the waters but are not sinking? | Rev. 15:2-3. The 144,000 who have overcome the beast, image and number of his name stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God and they sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. |
[34] And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. [35] And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; [36] And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
Verses 34-36 Expanded Bible Comments
| And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. [35] And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; [36] And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Where is Gennesaret? |  |
| What was the attitude of the people there? | Once they knew of him they brought not only their own sick to him to be healed but attitionally sent word "into all that country round about." |
| What did Jesus do? | He permitted them to "touch the hem of his garment" and those who did were healed. |