Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but was not able;

for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by deceit and put Him to death.

But they said, Not during the Feast, lest there be an uproar of the people.

So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.

Then the commander went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, that they might not be stoned.

But if we say, From men, we fear the multitude, for everyone holds John as a prophet.

For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him.

The immersion of John; was it from Heaven or from men? Answer Me.

But if we say, From men; they feared the people, for all counted John to have truly been a prophet.

But if we say, From men, all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.