The "Good" In King Herod --
We have heard it said, "There is so much good in the worst of us -- ". Do you suppose we could find some "good" in the King Herod, who beheaded John the Immerser? Read MAR.6:14-f.
When the news of Christ's great miracles began to spread abroad Herod heard of them, and thought Jesus must be the resurrected John (MAR.6:14,16).
Herod had imprisoned John because his wife (?) insisted upon it (MAR.6:17). However, he had refused to have John killed, despite his wife's plea (MAR.6:19). Even though John charged Herod with immorality, Herod respected John. In MAR.6:20, we read, "For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was much perplexed ('did many things' KJ; and heard him gladly" (ASV).
But when the daughter of Herodias danced before Herod and the friends who banqueted with him, Herod was "carried away" with festivities. He "put on the dog" before his guests, and promised the young dancer "whatsoever thou shalt ask of me" (MAR.6:22-). The daughter was persuaded by her mother to ask for John's head upon a platter. King Herod did not want to do this. Apparently he recognized his own sin, and knew John was doing his duty as a holy and just preacher when he spoke out against such wrongs.
"But for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat," he had the infamous act done (MAR.6:26).
"Good" ol' Herod would feel right at home among many brethren today. So many of them know they can not find Bible authority for their practices. Secretly they may even admire those who battle for sound, conservative doctrine, and try to keep the church pure (They'll listen on the radio, if no one catches them at it.). But if "certain ones come from James" (GAL.2:12) -- if it appears their sympathy for truth may classify them with that "little bunch of antis" -- they switch their cud, and talk out of the other side of their mouth. "Good" people, too much "afraid" to go to heaven.
Under proper circumstances, they would put John's head on a platter.