⁵ Though Herod^[a] wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet.^(A)

²⁶ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for all regard John as a prophet.”^(A)

⁹ What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet?^[a] Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.^(A)

²⁶ Then the captain went with the temple police and brought them, but without violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.^(A)

²¹ After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened.^(A)

⁶ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”^(A)

The Plot to Kill Jesus

14 It was two days before the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus^[a] by stealth and kill him,^{(A) 2} for they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”

³⁰ Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin? Answer me.” ³¹ They argued with one another, “What should we say?^[a] If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ ³² But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they were afraid of the crowd, for all regarded John as truly a prophet.^(A)

¹⁹ And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, ²⁰ for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed,^[a] and yet he liked to listen to him.^(A)

³² For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him, and even after you saw it you did not change your minds and believe him.^(A)