And King Herod heard-  

for his name became known, 
and people said ‘John the Baptizer has risen from the dead
and because of this the powers are at work in him.’
Others said ‘He is Elijah.’
But others said ‘He is a prophet, like one of the prophets.’

– but when Herod heard this he said ‘John, whom I beheaded – this man has been raised.’

For Herod himself had sent (men), and seized John
and bound him in prison
on account of Herodias, the wife of Philip, his brother, because he had married her.

For John had been saying to Herod ‘ It is not lawful for you to have the wife of your brother.’

Herodias had it in for him and wanted to kill him, but she could not. 

For Herod feared John,
knowing that he was a righteous man and holy, he protected him.
And having heard him, he was greatly confused and yet gladly heard him. 

O Lord Jesus Christ,
stay beside me to defend me,
within me to guide me,
before me to lead me,
and above me to bless me,
that with you and in you,
I may live, and move and have my being,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

(unknown)