⁵ And he would have put him to death, but for his fear of the people, because in their eyes John was a prophet.

⁹ But why did you go out? to see a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

²⁶ But if we say, From men; we are in fear of the people, because all take John to be a prophet.

³² For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you had no faith in him, but the tax-farmers and the loose women had faith in him: and you, when you saw it, did not even have regret for your sins, so as to have faith in him.

¹⁹ And Herodias was bitter against him, desiring to put him to death; but she was not able;

²⁰ For Herod was in fear of John, being conscious that he was an upright and holy man, and kept him safe. And hearing him, he was much troubled; and he gave ear to him gladly.

³⁰ The baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men? give me an answer.

³¹ And they gave thought to it among themselves, saying, If we say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did you not have faith in him?

³² But if we say, From men--they were in fear of the people, because all took John to be truly a prophet.

¹ It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes made designs how they might take him by deceit and put him to death:

² But they said, Not while the feast is going on, for fear there may be trouble among the people.

⁶ But if we say, Of men; we will be stoned by the people, for they are certain that John was a prophet.

²¹ And when they had said more sharp words to them, they let them go, not seeing what punishment they might give them, because of the people; for all men were giving praise to God for what had taken place.

²⁶ Then the captain and some of the police went and took them, but not violently, for fear that they might be stoned by the people.