Friday, November 21, 2014

Matthew 14:3, 4

The remarks I have advanced on this case will be also of use to me in illustrating the subsequent parable of the rich man tormented in hell, and the poor man resting in Abraham's bosom. For this passage, so far as its letter goes, comes before us abruptly; but if we regard its sense and purport, it naturally fits in with the mention of John wickedly slain, and of Herod, who had been condemned by him for his impious marriage. It sets forth in bold outline the end of both of them, the "torments" of Herod and the "comfort" of John, that even now Herod might hear that warning: "They have there Moses and the prophets, let them hear them." [Tertullian Adv Marc 4.34.10 KROYMANN Aem., CCL 1 (1954),(p.637, l.15) BP1] 
Interestingly Luke does not mention that John specifically condemned Herod for his abuse of marital rules unlike Matthew and Mark.


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