So, Peter has escaped, Peter went to the disciples to warn them, Herod was angry and had the 16 guards killed, then Agrippa (Herod) went to Caesarea from Jerusalem. We begin here.
19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
20 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.
For some reason, which we are not made aware of, King Herod Agrippa I is not happy with the people of Tyre and Sidon. (both of these cities are located in Lebanon, Tyre 20 miles south of Sidon and only 12 miles from the Israel-Lebanon border). This was not good for these cities as they depended on the fields of Galilee for their food supply. Oh, what to do. They must have a plan.
This was to befriend Blastus, the king's chamberlain and convince the king they only wanted peace. So now what happens next?
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
The next events, confirmed by Luke, is recorded by Josephus that on the birthday of the king (upon a set day) Agrippa held a large festival where he wore a robe made of silver. When he (agrippa) entered the theater at day break, the silver glittered and was beautiful in the morning sun so that all who looked upon the king were awe struck. Then comes..........
22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
The people cried out that they had looked upon him as a man, now they claim he is more than mortal. He was claimed to be a god and he readily took this claim. Don't you know when you claim to be god, trouble lies ahead because you have made someone really BIG angry.
23 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.
Herod Agrippa I was happy to take the praise that is due only to Jehovah. Herod's blasphemy is a leading cause and can be read as recorded by Luke. So Herod dies and then what happens?
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
The faith of the people grew and multiplied. Then is verse 25 Barnabas and Saul set out from Jerusalem taking John Mark with them. We assume they had come with an offering from Antioch to help the people and then are returning.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
So, I hope this has been informative and to you who already new, I pray this opened up another avenue to God that you did not expect.
As we continue our venture, we will see in Acts 13 where Barnabas and Saul were commissioned by the Holy Spirit to start a gentile mission trip. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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