Luke 9:7
Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;
The verse places Herod the tetrarch hearing of all that was done and being perplexed at the very time of the return of the apostles to Jesus, when Jesus takes them apart to rest awhile. He was troubled, perplexed and terror-stricken by the reports of Jesus and his mighty works, because some said John was risen from the dead. He himself concluded that Jesus was John whom he had beheaded risen from the dead, with the mighty works confirming it and showing forth themselves in him.
He was hearing of Jesus for the first time in the verse and had never met him before, which shows how little he knew of Jesus after Jesus had lived about thirty years in Galilee, so that he could mistake one he had hardly heard of for John who had recently been killed. It has been suggested that he may have been away in Rome earlier or may have paid attention only after Jesus sent out his disciples to perform miracles, but neither explains the wider ignorance among his nobles and counselors. The verse illustrates the disregard for religious matters among people of high rank and the ignorance that can result.
His fear came from a guilty conscience over murdering John: the killing left a stain he could not free himself from, John's warnings that nothing was hidden from God now accused him, and he feared and trembled at punishment for his crime. He had once felt sharp remorse and trembled with horror at Herodias's request for John's head, but though hardened his conscience grew dull and his moral perceptions degraded by a continued sinful and licentious life until his sins seemed trifling in his eyes. He had very nearly become John's disciple, but at the very point of decision he turned away from the truth, fell into the snare of Satan, and to satisfy Herodias and gratify her revenge beheaded John although he knew him to be a true prophet.
Though terrified by the report, he had long desired to see Jesus and witness his marvelous power, and he was pleased when Jesus was later brought to him as a prisoner because he had no doubt he could force him to work a miracle as a condition of saving his life. His experience illustrates the trembling heart, fear, and lack of peace described as a consequence of guilt.