Mark Chapter 6, Verse 20
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20: ο γαρ ηρωδης εφοβειτο τον ιωαννην ειδως αυτον ανδρα δικαιον και αγιον και συνετηρει αυτον και ακουσας αυτου πολλα εποιει και ηδεως αυτου ηκουεν
20: For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an
holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many
things, and heard him gladly.
20: For Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man: and
kept him, and when he heard him, did many things: and he heard him
willingly.
He did many things. But he did not do the thing which was demanded of him -- to break off from his sins. He attempted to make a compromise with his conscience. He still loved his sins, and did other things which he supposed might be accepted, in the place of putting away, as he ought, the wife of his brother -- the polluted and adulterous woman with whom he lived. Perhaps he treated John kindly, or spoke well of him, or aided him in his wants; and attempted in this way to silence his rebukes, and destroy his faithfulness. This was probably before John was imprisoned. So sinners often treat ministers kindly, and do much to make them comfortable, and hear them gladly, while they are still unwilling to do the thing which is demanded of them, to repent and believe the gospel. They expect that their kind attentions will be accepted in the place of what God demands -- repentance and the forsaking of their sins.
