For Herod feared Yochanan, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Moshiach, he should be put out of the Synagogue.
And the chief kohanim and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.
And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.
And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?
The Immersion of Yochanan, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?