Page 63 - acts_study_book2

At this point, Herod becomes angry and fearful for his kingdom and position as king. He has
tried to please the Jews as much as possible, but now that things have become difficult, he
returns to his true allegiance, the Romans. He flees to Caesarea, a Roman city.

Act 12:20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with
one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace;

because their country was nourished by the king's country.

A border dispute has broken out in this area of Phoenicia and has lasted for many years. Herod
is angry at them during this time. While he is in Caesarea, the people of Tyre and Sidon come
with a united front to meet with Herod and make peace because they fear he will cut off
financial aid to their countries. They bribe Blastus to arrange a meeting for them with Herod.

THE DEATH OF HEROD (21-22)

Herod gives a speech, and the audience heralds him as a god. Because Herod does not give

glory to God for his position, an angel of God strikes him dead.

HEROD DEIFIED

Act 12:21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made

an oration unto them.

Herod decides to make a big show of extending peace to the people of Tyre and Sidon. He is
full of arrogance and expects the people to revere him.

Act 12:22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

Because of fear of losing their finances, the people play into Herod’s arrogance.

HEROD AND THE ANGEL

Act 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the
glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

According to the historian Josephus, the entire process of Herod’s sickness from worms to

death took approximately five days. The angel referred to in this verse is probably the same
angel who delivered Peter from prison. Now he is delivering Peter from Herod. The
assumption can be made that someone is still interceding for Peter’s safety and for the
government of the land. When a government plays God, it will be judged. Herod becomes
weak and dies, but the church cannot be destroyed (Matthew 16:18).