Acts 12:18-24

God Deals With Herod

The next morning, as one might imagine, the prison was in turmoil. No one knew what had happened to Peter. When Herod could not find him, he had the guards executed. Roman law required that a guard face the punishment which was intended for any prisoner who escaped under their watch (compare Acts 16:27; Acts 27:42-44). Not long after, Herod left Jerusalem and went to Caesarea, his other capital.

Bruce says the cities of "Tyre and Sidon, depended on Galilee for their food supply, as they had done in the days of Hiram and Solomon (cf. 1 Kings 5:9 ff.)." Once they realized they had offended Herod, they set out to make things right. They somehow got close to Herod's personal aide, Blastus, and through him asked for peace. Josephus says Herod set aside some days to honor Caesar, perhaps on his birthday which was May 1. On the second day, Herod went into a theatre where a large group of people were assembled. The early morning sun reflected brightly off his garment, which Josephus says was totally made of silver.

When Herod was seated on the throne, the people began to praise him as a god. Herod did not stop the proceedings and the Lord caused his angel to strike him because he did not give glory to God. It would be good to note that others were careful to turn aside worship which rightfully only belongs to God (Acts 10:25-26; Acts 14:8-18; Revelation 19:10). Josephus said Herod suffered severe stomach pains and a horrible, lingering death which took five days. Luke reports that he was eaten by worms. Interestingly, despite all the attacks of men and failure to give God the glory which belongs to him, God's word still grew and multiplied (Acts 12:18-24).