Then they tried to get hold of him, but they were afraid of the multitude. They knew he had meant the parable for them. So they left him and went away.
At this the commander went off with the attendants and fetched them — but without using violence, for fear that the people would pelt them with stones.
for Herod stood in awe of John, knowing he was a just and holy man; so he protected John — he was greatly exercised when he listened to him, still he was glad to listen to him.