408-409 : The beheading Of John The Baptist
NOW Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Jesus, and he was
perplexed, because some said that it was John the Baptist, risen from the dead.
Some said that Elijah had appeared, and others that one of the old prophets had risen again.
But when Herod heard of these things, he said, "It is John, whom I beheaded.
He has risen from the dead."
For Herod himself had had John put in prison, for the sake of Herodias,
his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married.
John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him. She would have had him killed, but she could not.
For Herod feared John,knowing that he was a just and holy man.
But on his birthday, Herod gave a supper for his lords, high captains, and the leading men of Galilee,
and the daughter of Herodias came and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him.
And the king said to the girl, "Ask of me whatever you will, and I will give it to you."
He swore to her, "Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom."
The girl went forth and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"
And her mother said, "The head of John the Baptist."
So she went directly to the king and said, "My wish is that you give me in due course,
on a platter, the head of John the Baptist."
Then the king was very sorry, but because of his oath
and those who sat with him he could not reject her demand.
So immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded that John's head be brought.
And the executioner went and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a platter,
and gave it to the girl.And the girl gave it to her mother.
When his disciples heard of it,they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb, and went and told Jesus,
When Jesus heard of it,He went by
boat out into a deserted place with
his apostles.
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