visionary
28th February 2008, 12:50 PM
I propose that the Roman's engineered the it all.
(1) According to Josephus, Herod Antipas executed John the Baptist for purely political "expediency":
Quote:
Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death.
Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 18.5.2
(2) According to St. Matthew:
Quote:
Matthew 14:5-10
Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Having been prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." Although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison.
CONCLUSION: These accounts agree 100.00%.
(i) Josephus explains the motive (political "expediency")
(ii) St. Matthew explains the means (staged danced where Herod pretends to be smitten by Salome, and offers her half his kingdom amidst the feigned heat of passion, and then feigns to be "sorry" when she, on cue, asks for John's head in a basket)
PARALLELS: Both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were highly popular with the masses (cf. Matt 14:5; Mark 12:12).
Thus, the politicians had to come up with "creative" ways to execute their hated rivals without appearing guilty in the eyes of the masses.
Both times, the politicians successfully evaded blame for their crimes by orchestrating events to pin the apparent guilt on others (Herod used Herodias' daughter Salome, Pilate used the High Priests).
(1) According to Josephus, Herod Antipas executed John the Baptist for purely political "expediency":
Quote:
Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death.
Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 18.5.2
(2) According to St. Matthew:
Quote:
Matthew 14:5-10
Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Having been prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." Although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison.
CONCLUSION: These accounts agree 100.00%.
(i) Josephus explains the motive (political "expediency")
(ii) St. Matthew explains the means (staged danced where Herod pretends to be smitten by Salome, and offers her half his kingdom amidst the feigned heat of passion, and then feigns to be "sorry" when she, on cue, asks for John's head in a basket)
PARALLELS: Both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were highly popular with the masses (cf. Matt 14:5; Mark 12:12).
Thus, the politicians had to come up with "creative" ways to execute their hated rivals without appearing guilty in the eyes of the masses.
Both times, the politicians successfully evaded blame for their crimes by orchestrating events to pin the apparent guilt on others (Herod used Herodias' daughter Salome, Pilate used the High Priests).