Historical Context and Political Motivations for the Execution of John the Baptist

Abstract

It is often argued that the tetrarch Herod Antipas, due to his weakness of character, was guilty of the martyrdom of John the Baptist, who became a victim of the insidious Herodias. However, Josephus sees the reasons for the execution of the Prophet in the danger for the tetrarch of the popularity among the people of Johnʼs teaching about the approach of the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, the tetrarch chose to prevent a popular revolt against his tyranny by arresting and executing the Baptist. Analysis of the Gospel evidence in the context of historical events made it possible to determine that the reasons, in addition to personal ones, were of a religious and political nature. The main culprits of the execution and the persons and segments of society interested in it
have also been identified. The pretext for the execution could have been the provocative dance of Salome, the daughter of Herodias, allegedly for the sake of the oath given to her by Antipas and for the sake of his dinner guests. The version is based on the teachings of many theologians.