And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
Luke 9:8 records two of the popular identifications of Jesus then current: some said Elijah had appeared, and others said one of the old prophets was risen again. These were differing explanations people offered for His mighty works. The verse belongs to the setting in Luke 9:7-10, where Herod's perplexity about who Jesus is is joined with the return of the apostles to Jesus, forming the occasion for Jesus to call them apart to rest awhile. In contrast to those popular opinions, Herod feared Jesus was John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, risen from the dead and working through Jesus, and this explained to him the mighty works showing forth in Jesus.
Herod's conclusion shows he was hearing of Jesus for the first time, even though Jesus had lived about thirty years in Galilee and John had been killed only shortly before. He had never met Jesus before, though he had long desired to see Him and witness His marvelous power. His fixation came from a guilty conscience over murdering John that made him tremble and feel terror-stricken when he heard of Jesus. He knew John was a true prophet and had very nearly become his disciple, yet to gratify Herodias he had beheaded John after trembling at her request, felt keen remorse, and then degraded his moral perceptions by a licentious life until his sins seemed trifles.
When Jesus later stood as a prisoner before him at His trial, Herod's fear and curiosity did not lead him to recognize or honor Jesus. He was pleased to have Jesus brought because he expected to force a miracle from Him to save His life.
Luke 9:8 records two of the popular identifications of Jesus then current: some said Elijah had appeared, and others said one of the old prophets was risen again. These were differing explanations people offered for His mighty works. The verse belongs to the setting in Luke 9:7-10, where Herod's perplexity about who Jesus is is joined with the return of the apostles to Jesus, forming the occasion for Jesus to call them apart to rest awhile. In contrast to those popular opinions, Herod feared Jesus was John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, risen from the dead and working through Jesus, and this explained to him the mighty works showing forth in Jesus.
Herod's conclusion shows he was hearing of Jesus for the first time, even though Jesus had lived about thirty years in Galilee and John had been killed only shortly before. He had never met Jesus before, though he had long desired to see Him and witness His marvelous power. His fixation came from a guilty conscience over murdering John that made him tremble and feel terror-stricken when he heard of Jesus. He knew John was a true prophet and had very nearly become his disciple, yet to gratify Herodias he had beheaded John after trembling at her request, felt keen remorse, and then degraded his moral perceptions by a licentious life until his sins seemed trifles.
When Jesus later stood as a prisoner before him at His trial, Herod's fear and curiosity did not lead him to recognize or honor Jesus. He was pleased to have Jesus brought because he expected to force a miracle from Him to save His life.