SUMMARY
Herod jails Christians, finding that such violent behavior pleases the local crowds. After killing James and imprisoning PeterThe disciple who denied Jesus during his trial but later became a leader in proclaiming Jesus More, Herod himself dies because of his prideful acceptance of the crowds’ idolatrous acclamation.
ANALYSIS
The story of the death of Herod (Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the GreatKing over Judea at the time of Jesus' birth. More) is noteworthy, pointing out that any who would exalt themselves to the level of God will pay the price for their blasphemyBlasphemy is disrespecting or dishonoring of something held sacred. To use the name of God in swearing or to commit a profane act is to commit blasphemy. More and “fighting against God” (Acts 5:39). In 12:1-4, Herod’s character is revealed by his behavior toward the followers of JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity More, including two of the Twelve. He is violent and turns to murder, seeking the favor of the crowd around him and utterly failing to consider what might be right or true or godly. Herod, like the unjust judge in LukeThe "beloved physician" and companion of Paul More 18:1-8, has no regard for God or for his fellow human beings, not even the guards at the jailhouse (Acts 12:19). His heedless, self-serving behavior bespeaks his deep flaw, the propensity to think of himself as God and not a man. When the crowds give voice to this (v. 22), Herod does not stop them and dies miserably. Herod’s pride is the opposite of the behavior exhibited by Peter in 10:26 and BarnabasChristian missionary and companion of Paul on his early journeys. More and PaulA Christian missionary who once persecuted the church More in 14:14-18.
