Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
Cross References
Jeremiah 26:21King Jehoiakim and all his mighty men and officials heard his words, and the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah found out about it, he fled in fear and went to Egypt.
Matthew 11:9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
Treasury of Scripture
And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
when.
Mark 6:19,20
Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: …
Mark 14:1,2
After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death…
Acts 4:21
So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
because.
Matthew 21:26,32
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet…
Mark 11:30-32
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me…
Luke 20:6
But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
