The Hubris of Herod. He truly felt untouchable and immortal. He killed the guards that lost Peter, He traveled to the land of Tyre to exert his authority over the people in Tyre and Sidon. He sat on his throne and delivered a speech that even impressed himself. Then, as the people began to deify Herrod, he not only let them, but was pretty sure they were right. He was a god! That was the last thought He had before he died. The Bible said He was eaten by worms, like a sick dog…not a very dignified way to die–but, probably better than he deserved.
After Herod’s death, the church was able to grow, and the gospel continued to spread. Paul and Barnabus went to Jerusalem to deliver the money to the church and as they returned to Antioch, they took a third, John Mark–Mark of gospel fame. At every level, things were moving forward. The church was spreading in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Now that the veil between the Jewish nation and the gentile world had been pierced and the persecution subsided–The spread of the church was about to go global.
It is amazing that now, almost 2000 years later, the Gospel is truly available across the globe. We are as inspired to reach the world as were the young founding disciples. God has blessed us with tools to complete the work, but it still takes each of us allowing God to work through us to make the saturation a reality. We must embrace Paul’s attitude from Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe!” Help me Lord to share your Gospel with boldness!
God Bless You
Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19 And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.
The Death of Herod
20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain,[b] they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.
24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from[c] Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.
Walking With God 