Tyndale Open Study NotesMatthew 14

Herod Antipas’s official title was tetrarch, which means a ruler of a fourth part of a kingdom. He ruled Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39 (see Matthew 2:19–22). Jesus called Antipas “that fox” (Luke 13:32). John the Baptist rightly condemned him for adultery (Matthew 14:3–12; Luke 3:19–20).

People were saying that John had been resurrected from the dead (see 16:14).

John the Baptist’s message drew large crowds, which leaders saw as a political threat (see Josephus, Antiquities 18.5.2). Years after John was executed, many Jews believed that Herod’s military defeat by King Aretas in AD 36 was God’s judgment for killing an innocent man.

John kept warning Herod about his sin (see Leviticus 18:6; 20:21).

Herodias's daughter was probably Salome. She would have come from Herodias' earlier marriage to Philip. Such sexually suggestive dances were common among corrupt royalty.

Herod Antipas often made extravagant and foolish promises.

In ancient times, presenting a head on a tray was a known practice (see Josephus, Antiquities 13.4.8; 14.15.13; 18.5.1; 20.5.1).

What Jesus did consistently fulfilled Old Testament promises about the kingdom of heaven and the Messiah (Matthew 11:5–6; 12:28). Here, Jesus reminded people of God's gift of manna to the Israelites (Exodus 16; see John 6:32). This showed that he is the promised prophet of the end times (see Deuteronomy 18:15–16).

About five thousand men were fed, in addition to women and children: At that time, they counted families by the heads of households, not each person.

Jesus showed his power over nature, giving the disciples a chance to trust him as the Son of God (Mathhew 14:33; see also 8:23–27; Psalm 8:6; Hebrews 2:8–9).

After Jesus miraculously fed the crowd, they wanted to make him king (John 6:15). He withdrew from the crowd because it was not the right time.

Jesus often went to quiet places to pray, especially during important times in his life and work (Matthew 26:36–46; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:28).

• During the fourth watch of the night: This was between 3:00 and 6:00 am by Roman timekeeping.

• Jesus went out … walking on the sea: This act showed God’s rule over the stormy sea (see Job 9:8; Psalm 77:19; Isaiah 43:16).

It is I (literally I am): This statement is associated with the appearance of God himself (see also John 8:24; 18:5–6; compare Exodus 3:14).

To understand why Jesus performed miracles, refer to the study notes on Matthew 11:5 and 12:28.