NOTES for Act 12:1-25

Another Herod became the organizer of the new persecution. The name itself is innocent, but once again a cruel ruler disgraced it. The scale of the persecution is shown even by the fact that, after Peter’s miraculous deliverance from prison, the brothers find it difficult to believe that he is free. It would seem that they should remember that an Angel had already freed Peter, but after James was murdered it apparently became harder to believe in a favorable outcome.

But Herod’s opposition to God soon brought about his own destruction. He must have rejoiced when he heard the flattering cries addressed to him: the voice of a god, and not of a man, and that is why he did not stop such servility. In doing so, however, Herod allowed honors to be paid to him that were inadmissible in Israel even for a king. Jewish kings were regarded as called by God to serve, but they were never deified, unlike pagan kings. By accepting pagan praise, Herod consented to make an idol of himself; he became a living idol and took from the Creator the worship due to Him. But God is not mocked.

Having mentioned Herod’s death, the narrative immediately turns to a calm account of how the Word of God spread. Everything hostile that sets itself against Christ collapses, while His disciples continue their ministry.