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!”