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Bible Question: In
a group Bible study just last evening . . . I mentioned the first
verse of Matthew 14 and the fact that Herod, upon being told of Jesus's
fame, said, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead."
But this appears to be a problem because Matthew 14:10 says John was
already beheaded. One of our group said that verse one only shows
a flashback for Herod of what he has already done. This person said,
"Notice the past tense usage as you move into verse three: 'For
Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison
...' If this is correct hermeneutics, I'm wondering why this chapter
is written so awkwardly, time-wise?
Bible Answer: Matthew
14:1-2 describes Herod's comments about Jesus. The Holy Spirit then
adds that Herod was worried that John the Baptist had returned to
life and that Jesus was John.
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At
that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, and
said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has
risen from the dead; and that is why miraculous powers are at
work in him.” For when Herod had John arrested,
he bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias,
the wife of his brother Philip. For John had been saying
to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And
although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude,
because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s
birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and
pleased Herod. Thereupon he promised with an oath to give her
whatever she asked. And having been prompted by her mother,
she *said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John
the Baptist.” And although he was grieved, the king commanded
it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner
guests. And he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. (NASB)
Matthew 14:1-10 |
I have highlighted the key word "for" which occurs two times
in this passage. They introduce the flash-back in
time explaining why Herod was worried. Matthew 14:3-12 is the flash
back, the recall of past events, or the past history. The is not a
contradiction but merely a flash back.
Conclusion:A
correct hermeneutic considers the entire passage and seeks the best
plain sense, literal understanding of the passage. When we come to
problem passages. the Greek language usually helps us out. There is
nothing wrong with a flash back. Matthew is not always chronological,
and this is one example. His purpose is to show us that Jesus is the
Messiah who is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. |
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