This scene in Matthe 14 of the death of John the Baptist shows us that the gospel will always face persecution from evil. This text reveals to us that there is a guilt that evil will face when those who conduct evil come against the gospel. But the servants of the Kingdom of God will be glorified in Christ as they endure even martyrdom.

This passage tells us more about the insecurities of the evil mind of Herod Antipas than anything else. The insecurities of this evil mind in relation to the glorious truth of the gospel whos us that the evil mind will seek to hide his sin in the face of illuminating truth. Jesus reminds Peter, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail again it." [Matt 16:8]