1. At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus.
2. “He is really John the Baptist, who has come back to life,” he told his officials. “That is why he has this power to perform miracles.”
3. For Herod had earlier ordered John's arrest, and he had him chained and put in prison. He had done this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.
4. For some time John the Baptist had told Herod, “It isn't right for you to be married to Herodias!”
5. Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because they considered John to be a prophet.
6. On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced in front of the whole group. Herod was so pleased
7. that he promised her, “I swear that I will give you anything you ask for!”