4. But Jesus said, “Prophets are honoured by everyone, except the people of their home town and their relatives and their own family.”
5. Jesus could not perform any miracles there, except to heal a few sick people by placing his hands on them.
6. He was surprised that the people did not have any faith.Jesus taught in all the neighbouring villages.
7. Then he called together his twelve apostles and sent them out two by two with power over evil spirits.
8. He told them, “You may take along a walking stick. But don't carry food or a travelling bag or any money.
9. It's all right to wear sandals, but don't take along a change of clothes.
10. When you are welcomed into a home, stay there until you leave that town.
11. If any place won't welcome you or listen to your message, leave and shake the dust from your feet as a warning to them.”
12. The apostles left and started telling everyone to turn to God.
13. They forced out many demons and healed a lot of sick people by putting olive oil on them.
14. Jesus became so well known that Herod the ruler heard about him. Some people thought he was John the Baptist, who had come back to life with the power to perform miracles.
15. Others thought he was Elijah or some other prophet who had lived long ago.
16. But when Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “This must be John! I had his head cut off, and now he has come back to life.”
17-18. Herod had earlier married Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. But John had told him, “It isn't right for you to take your brother's wife!” So, in order to please Herodias, Herod arrested John and put him in prison.
19. Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she could not do it