Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 14:1-2

"At that season Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus, and said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore do these powers work in him." — Matthew 14:1-2 (ASV)

When the whole country was moved, At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, then, but not until then, the fame of Jesus reached this wretched petty prince, who was too absorbed in self and lust to hear much about spiritual matters. The peasant heard of Jesus before the prince. The Word of God may enter the palace, but it forces its way slowly. Herod spoke to his servants about this famous person, for he was so alarmed that he could not conceal his fears. A guilty conscience is haunted by a wrongdoing. John was written on the tyrant’s memory, and now that he is startled by a rumor of wonders being done, he cries out, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead.

Herod was a Sadducee by profession, but his terror made his skeptical creed crumble to dust. For John at least, he believes that there is a resurrection. Great superstition often underlies a surface of avowed unbelief. Herod Antipas had a quarter of his father’s kingdom and less than a quarter of his ability, but in selfish cruelty he was a true cub of the old wolf. He had enough conscience to scare him, though not enough to change him. Note how he believed in the power of a risen man, Therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. If from mere hearsay Herod attributed such power to our Lord on earth, shall we not believe in the Almighty power of our risen Lord upon His throne in glory?