And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
All Commentaries on Matthew 14:12 Go To Matthew 14
Remigius of Rheims
AD 533
It should be known that it is customary not for rich only but for poor mothers also, to educate their daughters so chastely, that they are scarce so much as seen by strangers. But this unchaste woman had so brought up her daughter after the same manner, that she had taught her not chastity but dancing. Nor is Herod to be less blamed who forgot that his was aroyal palace, but this woman made it a theatre; “And it pleased Herod, so that he swore with an oath that he would give her whatsoever she should ask of him.”.
Here is a less sin done for the sake of another greater; he would not extinguish his lustful desires, and therefore he betakes him to luxurious living; he would not put any restraint on his luxury, and thus he passes to the guilt of murder; for, “He sent and beheaded John in prison, and his head was brought in a charger.”.
Otherwise; The beheading of John marks the increase of that fame which Christhas among the people, as the exaltation of the Lord upon the cross marks the progress of the faith; whence John had said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
