LUKE 3:19–20
HEROD’S REJECTION OF JOHN’S MESSAGE
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – Luke 3:19–20
19 Now Herod the tetrarch, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil deeds Herod had committed,
20 added still another to these by also putting John in prison.
Historical and Jewish Context
Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, ruled Galilee and Perea as a tetrarch under Roman authority. His marriage to Herodias—his brother Philip’s wife—was considered unlawful under Jewish law (cf. Lv 18:16), and John courageously confronted him. Public rebuke of a ruler was dangerous in ancient societies, especially under tyrants like Herod. John’s imprisonment reflects the political volatility of the time and the risks faced by prophets who challenged moral corruption and injustice.
Catholic Theological Perspective
John’s prophetic duty compelled him to speak truth without fear, even to powerful rulers. This anticipates the Church’s mission to uphold moral truth in every age (CCC 2429, 2471). Herod’s rejection of John symbolizes the resistance encountered by God’s messengers and foreshadows the rejection Jesus Himself will face. John’s imprisonment also prefigures the suffering of disciples who remain faithful to God’s law despite persecution (CCC 523). Although Herod silenced John’s voice, he could not silence God’s plan.
Parallels in Scripture
Lv 18:16 – Unlawfulness of taking a brother’s wife
Mt 14:3–4 – Parallel account explaining John’s rebuke of Herod
Mk 6:17–20 – Herod’s fear of John, knowing he was righteous
Acts 4:18–20 – Apostles refuse to stop preaching despite threats
2 Tim 4:2 – Preach the word “in season and out of season”
Key Terms
Herod the Tetrarch – Ruler of Galilee and Perea under Roman authority
Herodias – Wife of Philip, unlawfully taken by Herod Antipas
Rebuke – Prophetic correction of sin and injustice
Imprisonment – Symbol of resistance to God’s truth
Evil Deeds – Herod’s broader moral corruption beyond his unlawful marriage
Catholic Liturgical Significance
John’s imprisonment is remembered in the liturgy as part of his prophetic witness. His feast days highlight his courage and fidelity to God’s truth, even unto death. This passage is especially relevant during Advent, when John the Baptist is commemorated as the forerunner who prepared the way for Christ through both preaching and suffering.
Conclusion
Herod’s response shows that not everyone welcomes the call to repentance. While the humble received John with openness, the powerful who clung to sin resisted him. John’s imprisonment stands as a testimony to the cost of proclaiming God’s truth, yet it also affirms that no earthly power can hinder God’s saving plan.
Reflection
Do I welcome correction when it reveals areas needing repentance in my life? Am I willing to stand for truth even when it is unpopular or costly? How can I imitate John’s courage in my vocation and relationships?
Prayer
Lord, give me the courage of John the Baptist to stand for Your truth with humility and fidelity. Help me to reject whatever leads me away from You and to embrace conversion of heart. Strengthen me to witness to Your Gospel without fear. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
Luke 3:19–20 briefly but powerfully records the imprisonment of John the Baptist, highlighting the cost of prophetic truth. In the Jewish tradition, prophets were not only messengers of comfort but also courageous voices who confronted injustice and moral corruption. John openly rebukes Herod Antipas for his unlawful marriage and other evils, reflecting the prophetic responsibility to uphold God’s law regardless of personal risk. Speaking truth to power was deeply rooted in Israel’s prophetic heritage, from Elijah to Jeremiah.
Historically, Herod’s response reveals how those in authority often react when confronted with truth—they silence the messenger rather than repent. John’s imprisonment marks the end of his public ministry but not the failure of his mission. By faithfully fulfilling his role as the forerunner of Christ, John prepares the way even through suffering. His fate foreshadows the rejection and persecution that Jesus Himself will face.
Luke 3:19 — “But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done,”
This verse introduces the cost of prophetic truth. John the Baptist’s preaching does not stop with the crowds; it reaches into the halls of power. Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, is openly reproved by John—not only for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, but for all the evil things he had done. Repentance is demanded of rulers as much as of ordinary people.
John’s courage reveals the integrity of true prophecy. He does not adjust the message to protect himself or to please authority. God’s truth confronts sin wherever it is found, especially when injustice is magnified by power. This verse teaches that fidelity to God often brings opposition from those who benefit from wrongdoing.
Historical and Jewish Context
Herod Antipas had taken Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Philip, violating Jewish law (cf. Lev 18:16; 20:21).
Rulers were often insulated from criticism. Publicly reproving a tetrarch was dangerous and socially shocking.
Prophets in Israel traditionally confronted kings when they violated God’s law (e.g., Nathan confronting David).
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse highlights the prophetic duty to speak truth to power. The Church teaches that moral law binds all people, including rulers, and that conscience must not be silenced by fear (CCC 2244, 2471).
Spiritually, John’s example challenges believers to integrity and courage, even when truth-telling leads to suffering.
Key Terms
Herod the tetrarch — political power
Reproved by him — prophetic correction
Herodias — unlawful relationship
All the evil things — pattern of sin
Conclusion
Luke 3:19 shows that repentance is not selective. God’s truth confronts private and public sin alike. John stands as a fearless witness, faithful to God rather than to power.
Reflection
Am I willing to stand for truth even when it is uncomfortable or risky? Where might God be calling me to greater moral courage?
Prayer
Lord God, give me the courage of John the Baptist. Help me to love truth more than approval, and to remain faithful to Your law even when it brings opposition or cost. Amen.
Luke 3:20 — “Added this to them all, that he shut up John in prison.”
This verse reveals the immediate consequence of prophetic courage. Herod does not repent; instead, he silences the prophet. Having been reproved for his sins, he responds not with conversion, but with repression. Imprisonment becomes his way of dealing with truth.
The phrase “added this to them all” is significant. Luke portrays John’s imprisonment as the culmination of Herod’s pattern of evil. Silencing God’s messenger is not a neutral political act—it is itself a grave injustice. Yet even in prison, John’s mission is not defeated. His witness has already prepared the way for Christ.
This verse teaches that truth may be chained, but it is never conquered. God’s plan continues even when His messengers suffer.
Historical and Jewish Context
Prophets in Israel were often persecuted or imprisoned by rulers who resisted God’s word (cf. Jer 37).
Herod Antipas imprisoned John likely at the fortress of Machaerus, east of the Dead Sea.
Imprisonment was used by rulers to suppress dissent without public execution.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse highlights the cost of discipleship and prophetic witness. The Church teaches that suffering for truth is a participation in Christ’s own mission and passion (CCC 2471, 618).
Spiritually, John’s imprisonment reminds believers that fidelity to God does not guarantee earthly security—but it does guarantee participation in God’s saving work.
Key Terms
Added this — culmination of evil
Shut up — silencing attempt
John — faithful prophet
Prison — suffering for truth
Conclusion
Luke 3:20 shows the clash between truth and power. Herod imprisons the prophet, but God’s word has already gone forth. The forerunner’s mission is complete, and the Messiah is about to appear.
Reflection
How do I respond when God’s truth challenges me—do I listen or resist? Am I willing to endure difficulty for the sake of fidelity to Christ?
Prayer
Lord God, give me the courage to remain faithful when truth brings suffering. Strengthen all who are imprisoned or persecuted for righteousness, and help me to trust that Your word can never be silenced. Amen.
CONCLUSION
For believers today, Luke 3:19–20 is a reminder that fidelity to God’s truth may demand courage and sacrifice. Living the Gospel authentically can bring resistance, misunderstanding, or even persecution. John’s witness challenges us not to compromise truth for comfort or approval, but to remain faithful even when it is costly.
At the same time, this passage offers hope and clarity. God’s plan does not depend on the freedom or success of His servants but on their obedience. Though John is imprisoned, God’s saving work continues through Jesus. Faithfulness, not visibility or power, is what endures in God’s eyes.
PRAYER
Lord God, You strengthened John the Baptist to speak the truth without fear. Give us courage to stand for what is right, even when it costs us. Keep our hearts faithful and our voices guided by love and humility. May we always trust that Your plan unfolds through obedience and truth. Amen.