Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Matthew 14:5

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

He postponed the murder because he feared the multitude, not because he feared God; yet the devil found the opportune moment for him.

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

And wanting to kill him, he feared the people: for they held him as a prophet. Indeed, he feared the sedition of the people because of John, from whom he knew that many crowds had been baptized in the Jordan; but he was overcome by the love of his wife, because of whose ardor he had even neglected the commandments of God (Genesis 40).

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Thomas Aquinas

And having a mind to put him to death, he feared the people. Sometimes it happens that when a man does not wish to avoid one sin, he falls into a greater. Hosea 4:2: murder, and theft, and adultery have overflowed, and blood has touched blood. Hence since he did not wish to avoid adultery, he incurred murder. And when he wished to, he feared the people. The commotion of the people is greatly to be feared; Sir 26:5: my heart feared three things: the slander of a city, and the gathering of a mob, and a false accusation. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗

Glossa Ordinaria

And desiring to kill him, he feared the people. (ord.) The fear of God amends us, the fear of man torments us, but alters not our will; it rather renders us more impatient to sin as it has held us back for a time from our indulgence.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗