⁵ And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, ^(A)because they counted him as a prophet.

²⁶ But if we say, ‘From men,’ we ^(A)fear the multitude, ^(B)for all count John as a prophet.”

²⁰ for Herod ^(A)feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he ^[a]did many things, and heard him gladly.

^24 (A)When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ²⁵ But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. ²⁶ But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. ²⁷ This is he of whom it is written:

²⁸ For I say to you, among those born of women there is ^[a]not a ^(C)greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

²⁹ And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors ^[b]justified God, ^(D)having been baptized with the baptism of John. ³⁰ But the Pharisees and ^[c]lawyers rejected ^(E)the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.