9 but having been shod with sandals, and ye may not put on two coats. 10 And he said to them, 'Whenever ye may enter into a house, there remain till ye may depart thence, 11 and as many as may not receive you, nor hear you, going out thence, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony to them; verily I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom or Gomorrah in a day of judgment than for that city.' 12 And having gone forth they were preaching that 'men' might reform, 13 and many demons they were casting out, and they were anointing with oil many infirm, and they were healing 'them'.

The Death of John the Baptist

14 And the king Herod heard, (for his name became public,) and he said—'John the Baptist out of the dead was raised, and because of this the mighty powers are working in him.' 15 Others said—'It is Elijah,' and others said—'It is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.'

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 6:9-15

Commentary on Mark 6:7-13

(Read Mark 6:7-13)

Though the apostles were conscious to themselves of great weakness, and expected no wordly advantage, yet, in obedience to their Master, and in dependence upon his strength, they went out. They did not amuse people with curious matters, but told them they must repent of their sins, and turn to God. The servants of Christ may hope to turn many from darkness unto God, and to heal souls by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Commentary on Mark 6:14-29

(Read Mark 6:14-29)

Herod feared John while he lived, and feared him still more when he was dead. Herod did many of those things which John in his preaching taught him; but it is not enough to do many things, we must have respect to all the commandments. Herod respected John, till he touched him in his Herodias. Thus many love good preaching, if it keep far away from their beloved sin. But it is better that sinners persecute ministers now for faithfulness, than curse them eternally for unfaithfulness. The ways of God are unsearchable; but we may be sure he never can be at a loss to repay his servants for what they endure or lose for his sake. Death could not come so as to surprise this holy man; and the triumph of the wicked was short.