18; Luke iii.

19.] [Footnote 4: Jos., _Ant._, XVIII.v.

2.] More timid than cruel, Antipas did not desire to put him to death.
According to certain rumors, he feared a popular sedition.[1] According to another version,[2] he had taken pleasure in listening to the prisoner, and these conversations had thrown him into great perplexities.

It is certain that the detention was prolonged, and that John, in his prison, preserved an extended influence.

He corresponded with his disciples, and we find him again in connection with Jesus.
His faith in the near approach of the Messiah only became firmer; he followed with attention the movements outside, and sought to discover in them the signs favorable to the accomplishment of the hopes which he cherished.
[Footnote 1: Matt.xiv.