John criticized Herod the ruler for what he had done with Herodias, the wife of Herod’s brother, as well as for all the other bad things he had done.
It was the 15th year of the rule of Tiberius Caesar. These men were under Caesar: Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea; Herod, the ruler of Galilee; Philip, Herod’s brother, the ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, the ruler of Abilene.
When John was in prison, he heard about the things that were happening—things the Messiah would do. So he sent some of his followers to Jesus.
Fools hate to be told they are wrong, so they refuse to ask wise people for advice.
About that time, Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard what the people were saying about Jesus.
On Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for him and his group. Herod was very pleased with her.
John said many other things like this to encourage the people to change, and he told them the Good News.