The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 14:1-2
Herod's hypothesis. Men's minds were much perplexed about the wonderful life of the new Prophet, and various theories were started to explain it. Here we have the king's hypothesis. This has something in common with the other suggestions, and also a peculiar aptness in regard to Herod himself. I. IT IS NOT EASY TO ACCOUNT FOR JESUS CHRIST . The very variety of the theories shows that the problem was not solved at a glance. It was evident to his contemporaries that our... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 14:1
At that time; season (Revised Version); Matthew 11:25 , note. Herod the tetrarch; i.e. Antipas, youngest son of Herod the Great, and by one of his father's wills named his successor on the throne, but by the last will appointed only tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea. Though not legally king, he sometimes received the title by courtesy. "In point of character, Antipas was a genuine son of old Herod—sly, ambitious, and luxurious, only not so able as his father." He was deposed by... read more