…Herod…delivered an oration…the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory…
Acts 12:20-25
Herod, the Tetrarch and ruler in Judea, was a son of the Herod who had built the Temple, completed during Jesus’ earthly ministry. Like his father, this Herod was a ruthless ruler, exercising his power when and where it benefitted him most. His arrogance is on display in our verses today as Luke tells of Herod’s anger with the people of nearby towns to Caesarea where Herod was staying at the time. The towns were Tyre and Sidon. The people of those towns came to Herod’s palace in Caesarea to seek peace with Herod in order to keep their supply of food coming to them. Herod’s top aide spoke with them and arranged a time for them to come to hear Herod speak with them. On the appointed day, Herod dressed in his royal robes, sat upon his throne and, orated to the ones gathered. The people, trying to appease Herod, lauded Herod, even calling his speech the voice a god rather than a man. Herod did not tell the people to not call him a god but, he reveled in the peoples’ praises and adulations. Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck down Herod for he had not given God the glory due Him. Herod died while being eaten alive by worms! Today, some Christians would like for a similar event to occur to some of their enemies, especially those who are persecutors of the brethren. But, Scripture is clear that Christians are to pray for their neighbors and their enemies. Revenge and retribution are for God alone to take. God acted timely with Herod for the early church had grown, becoming a thorn in the side of the religious leaders who sought Herod to persecute the people of The Way. Luke continues this passage telling us that the Word of God “increased and multiplied” after Herod’s death. Christians today may think such an event would be good for the church today. But, to think that way is not righteous nor does it serve to spread the gospel. Let God be God! He has promised His elect that all things, good and bad, work for good to those who love Him and obey His commands. God will fulfill His promises without fail! Luke ends this section by introducing John, whose other name was Mark, who comes to the Jerusalem church with Barnabas and Saul. We will see and learn more of John Mark.
Source: S C Ball June 29, 2023
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