Mark 6

      14. And king Herod heard of him. For Herod's opinion of Christ and the death of John the Baptist, see notes on Matt. 14:1-12. Compare Luke 9:7-9 .

      17. For the Herodias' sake. This states why John was cast into prison, on account of the instigation of the adulterous woman, a fact omitted by Matthew.

      19. Would have killed him. The wicked woman sought his murder, but could not kill him because Herod refused to consent.

      20. Herod feared John. Was in awe of him as a holy man, and feared the indignation of the people if he slew him.

      21. When a convenient day was come. For the execution of the plans of the vengeful woman.

      27. Sent an executioner. One of his body guard. Under Oriental monarchs the captain of the guard was the executioner.

      31. Come ye apart into a desert place. For notes on the feeding of the five thousand see Matt. 14:14-21. Compare Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:5-14 Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:5-14 . All the four gospels Matthew 14:14-21 Mk 6:30-44 Luke 9:10-17 John 6:5-14 give this account.

      32. Departed into a desert place. An uninhabited place; in this case the small plain of Butaiha, just east of where the Jordan enters the lake of Galilee.

      45. To go to the other side before unto Bethsaida. John says, "toward Capernaum." Capernaum was the ultimate point to be reached; but on the way there they were to sail along the coast in a northwest direction, and touch at Bethsaida, take into the boat Jesus, who would go there by land, and then sail southwest to Capernaum. The ruins at Bethsaida are found near where the Jordan empties into the Sea of Galilee, and not very far distant from the scene of the miracle. For notes on the storm and Christ walking on the sea, see Matt. 14:22-32. Compare John 6:15-21 .