Luke 9:7-9

Luke 9:7-9. THE ALARM OF HEROD. See on Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29. The other two Evangelists give in this connection the particulars of the death of John the Baptist; Luke, who has given so full an account of his birth, only alludes to it.

Heard of all that was done. ‘By Him' is a proper explanation, but not in the original. Herod heard of the miracles wrought by the Twelve, but thus ‘ His name was spread abroad' (Mark).

Because that it was said by some. The difference of opinion only served to increase the perplexity of his bad conscience.

Elijah had appeared (Luke 9:8). Not ‘had risen,' for Elijah had not died.

John I beheaded, etc. (Luke 9:9). ‘I' is emphatic (according to the usual reading in the second clause also), indicating both terror of conscience at the past act, and uncertainty about this person of whom he hears so much. His desire to see Him was due to this feeling.