Acts 12:20-24
Both Herod’s grandfather, Herod the Great, and his father Herod Antipater or Herod II participated in the Jewish rituals, developing their own group, the Herodians, within the Jewish religion, to promote their own agenda. Like many politicians of today, their religious affiliation was primarily for political purposes, and they did not adhere to many of the teachings. They were familiar with the teachings of both the Jewish religion, and Christianity.
Herod Agrippa became king about 37 AD., shortly before Herod II’s death. He appears to have continued the family’s tradition, supporting the Jewish leaders to maintain his political standing. After learning that it pleased the Jews when James was killed, he set out to have Peter killed to further his political aspirations, but was thwarted when the angel set Peter free. He retreated to Caesarea to the Roman government center.
“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.” (Acts 12:20)
Just as Mexico has been dependent for several years on trade with the United States, Tyre and Sidon were dependent on the Herod’s domain. Issues like drug smuggling and illegal aliens strain the U.S. and Mexico relationship, and some similar conflict was straining the relationship between Tyre and Sidon and Herod’s government. In an effort to ease the tensions, Tyre and Sidon invited Herod for a meeting to discuss trade issues, just like President Obama visiting various countries today.
“And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.” (Acts 12:21-22)
In an effort to win Herod’s approval and support, the people began to credit him with being a god who could solve all their problems. Like most political leaders, Herod lapped it up, glorying in the prestige and authority, ignoring the fact that it was not his power or authority. Like many another political leader, he learned how transitory fame is.
“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.” (Acts 12:23)
If you’ve ever seen an animals body being consumed with maggots, you’ve probably got some picture of what this must have been like. It would have been a horrible way to die, but it wouldn’t have been very pleasant to watch either. That they had just proclaimed him as a god must have been especially shocking.
Herod knew about God from his family’s long association with the Jewish religion. He had heard repeatedly about God’s power, whether he believed it or not. When he accepted the glory as his own, he knew he was going against God, but he didn’t take it seriously, and it cost his life. Hebrews 10:26-31 warns of the danger for those who have heard but reject the truth.
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:26-31)
Romans 1:20 makes it clear that ignorance of God’s will is not an excuse. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” They chose not to find out, but they did not deliberately break God’s command.
To deliberately break a law is considered an aggravated crime, and carries greater penalty under our legal system. It does under God’s law as well, according to Luke 12:47-48. “And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
Herod knew, but deliberately ignored God, and suffered the consequences. While God doesn’t always make his judgment so dramatic. Everyone who deliberately rejects him will suffer a similar fate, as can be seen by what happened to numerous tyrants throughout history. Herod’s efforts to destroy Christianity to promote his political agenda failed resulted in his death, about 44 A.D., but it didn’t stop God.
“But the word of God grew and multiplied.” (Acts 12:24)
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The people who flattered him were just as guilty for saying that a mere man was God. Their flattery was the trap that God used to kill the man He wanted dead. He knew the one thing that his arrogant personality couldn't resist, was flattery. And he proved himself to be very much his father's son, that is.. the devil, who himself was brought down by arrogance and pride.
ReplyDeleteGod sees the heart and knows when someone worships in pretense, or as the OT often states it: with the lips. God doesn't want our lips; He wants our obedience. Better to say nothing and continue in silent obedience to God than to open the mouth and condemn yourself by what you say...or fail to say.
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