The Biblical Illustrator - Mark 6:20
Mark 6:20For Herod feared John. Better to fear God than His ministerHerod feared John, and did many things; had he feared God, he would have laboured to do everything. (Gurnall.)Fear versus LoveThe chains of love are stronger than the chains of fear. Herod’s love of Herodias was too hard for his fear of John. (Gurnall.)What moves wicked men thus to affect and reverence God’s faithful ministers1. The consideration of the excellent gifts which they discern in them, especially natural gifts. These... read more
The Biblical Illustrator - Mark 6:18
Mark 6:18For John had said unto Herod. The difficulty of wise rebukeIt is difficult to rebuke well; i.e., at a right time, in a right spirit, and in a right manner. The Baptist rebuked Herod without making him angry; therefore he must have rebuked him with gravity, temper, sincerity, and an evident goodwill towards him. On the other hand, he spoke so firmly, sharply, and faithfully, that his rebuke cost him his life He reproved him under the prospect of suffering for his faithfulness; and we... read more