# Connecting Statement:

The author continues to give background information about Herod and the beheading of John the Baptist. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background]])

# an opportunity came

"a convenient day" or "there was an opportune time."  This was a time when Herodias could finally do something so that John the Baptist would be killed.

# he made a dinner for his officials ... of Galilee

This means that he invited those people to a special dinner to celebrate his birthday with him. Alternate translation: "he had a banquet for his officials ... of Galilee" or "he invited his officials ... of Galilee to eat and celebrate with him"

# a dinner

a formal meal or banquet