Matthew Chapter 14
Herod puts John to death. Christ feeds five thousand in the desert. He walks upon the sea, and heals all the diseased with the touch of his garment.
14:1. At that time Herod the Tetrarch heard the fame of Jesus.
Tetrarch.... This word, derived from the Greek, signifies one that rules over the fourth part of a kingdom: as Herod then ruled over Galilee, which was but the fourth part of the kingdom of his father.
14:2. And he said to his servants: This is John the Baptist: he is risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works shew forth themselves in him.
14:3. For Herod had apprehended John and bound him, and put him into prison, because of Herodias, his brother’s wife.
14:4. For John said to him: It is not lawful for thee to have her.
14:5. And having a mind to put him to death, he feared the people: because they esteemed him as a prophet.
14:6. But on Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them: and pleased Herod.
14:7. Whereupon he promised with an oath, to give her whatsoever she would ask of him.