their message was not listened to, they were to leave it. As they left that place as a symbolic act they were to shake off the dust of that place from their feet as a witness against them of their rejection (see Acts 13:50-51). The closing words of Jesus to the disciples “it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgement” would suggest that there will be various degrees of punishment for unbeliever's (Matt. 11:22). 6:12 So they went out and preached that all should repent. And so the disciples were sent forth and followed Jesus' instructions to the letter and preached the gospel to the people calling on them to repent. 6:13 They cast out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. And because they did as he instructed them their ministry prospered, many were delivered from demons. Although we are not told in the preceding verses that Jesus instructed them, nevertheless he must have done so, as they anointed the sick with oil they were healed (James 5:14). In between the time of the disciples being sent out (verse 7) and their returning to Jesus (verse 30) Mark fills us in on what became of John the Baptist. 6.14 - 15. Now King Herod heard this, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead, and because of this, miraculous powers are at work in him." Now King Herod heard this, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the
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baptizer has been raised from the dead, and because of this, miraculous powers are at work in him." The miracles that Jesus was doing reached the ears of King Herod and it pricked his conscience for he immediately thought that it was John the Baptist raised from the dead that had come back. From his reaction we can assume that Herod had no difficulty in believing in resurrection and that if anyone could be raised from the dead then the matter of miracles would be a natural consequence of this. Others thought that it was Elijah come back and some that at least He must be one of the prophets. 6:16 - 18. But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised!" Herod himself had sent men, arrested John, and bound him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother 22 Philip's wife, because Herod had married her. For John had repeatedly told Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Herod was convinced that it was none other than John. The reason why Herod had John imprisoned was because he had repeatedly and boldly declared the truth to him that he had and still was committing sin by marrying his brother Philip's wife Herodias that was against the law of God. 6:19 - 20. So Herodias nursed a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not because Herod stood in awe of John and protected him, since he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him, he was thoroughly baffled, and yet he liked to listen to John. 14
Therefore, Herodias was enraged with John and held a grudge against him but she could not carry out her revenge against him because Herod had a fear of John. He knew that he was a just and holy man and this was why he had up to now protected John from the evil plans and purposes of his unlawful wife Herodias. Although what John said disturbed him Herod still liked to listen to him. 6:21 But a suitable day came, when Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his court officials, military commanders, and leaders of Galilee. However, when it was Herod’s birthday party and all the high dignitaries were there, an opportunity was given to Herodias to get her own back on John. 6:22. (NKJV) And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you." He also swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom." During the festivities Herodias’ daughter came and danced before all the guests and because this greatly pleased Herod he rashly promised her on oath to give her whatever she wanted even to half his kingdom. 6:24 So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!" The daughter who was obviously ruled by her mother went straight to her and asked what she should ask for. This was Herodias’ chance