Through the vast throngs that had listened to John's preaching, his fame had spread throughout the land. A deep interest was felt as to the result of his imprisonment. Yet his blameless life, and the strong public sentiment in his favor, led to the belief that no violent measures would be taken against him. Herod believed John to be a prophet of God, and he fully intended 221 to set him at liberty. But he delayed his purpose from fear of Herodias.

På grund af de store skarer, der havde lyttet til Johannes' prædiken, havde hans ry bredt sig over hele landet. Man var dybt interesseret i, hvad udfaldet ville blive af hans fængsling. Hans udadlelige liv og den stærke folkestemning til gunst for ham førte dog til den tro, at der ikke ville blive øvet vold imod ham. Herodes troede, at Johannes var en Guds profet, og det var hans bestemte mening at ville sætte ham i frihed. Men han tøvede med at udføre sin hensigt af frygt for Herodias.