Acts 12:19b-25 – Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply. 21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God continued to spread and flourish. 25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.
“Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.” Caesarea was a beautiful resort town on the Mediterranean coast. It was one of the “it” places to vacation, or live. After Peter’s escape Herod Agrippa figured he needed a respite and headed to Caesarea for a vacation. Accepted non-scriptural information is provided by the respected first century Jewish historian Josephus. He informs us that Herod had organized athletic games in Caesarea to honor Emperor Claudius, who had supported Herod’s position of kingship over the Jews.
“He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply.” Herod had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon. Luke does not say what the quarrel was about. Josephus however informs us that the bad blood between Herod and these two Syrian cities began years earlier. Herod had wanted to rebuild and fortify the wall around Jerusalem however the Roman governor of Syria sent a letter to the Emperor objecting and so the Emperor ordered Herod to stop. In Herod’s resulting anger he had ordered a cutback in food shipped to these Syrian towns. Tyre and Sidon were now in need of increased food supplies.
We are not told how the people from Tyre and Sidon managed to persuade Blastus to get them before the king, but he did manage to get them their appointment.
“On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people.” Again Josephus gives us added detail. Herod had ordered that a garment made wholly out of silver be made for him. The effect of the silver garment was a shining, glimmering effect on the people. They were stunned by Herod’s glowing appearance.
“They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.”” The crowd began to worship him as a god. Josephus records that they repented to Herod that they had formerly given him the reverence of great man when in fact they should have been honoring him as a god. Sadly, but predictably, Herod accepted their worship and acclamations that belong only to God. People who not filled with pride and who love God would quickly correct such praise, as Peter had done when Cornelius fell at Peter’s feet (Acts 10:25-26). Even angels are quick to correct anyone who begins to worship them rather than God (Revelation 19:10). Truly Godly people will not accept praise and honor that is only fitting for God. Herod relished the praise.
“Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” There are many thoughts about what exactly occurred here. Josephus wrote that Herod was taken ill and he died five days later. At the autopsy he was found to be filled with worms. The exact details of his death are not important. The important detail is that anyone who accepts praise and glory that belongs to God is filled with devilish pride (Isaiah 14:12-15) and is bound to repent of the action, either on time here on earth, or regretfully and under condemnation at Judgement Day. God has said that He will not share His glory with another or anything (Isaiah 42:8). Only God deserves the glory so for him to share it would be dishonest, because He is the one to whom it belongs. God does not share His glory because He always is truthful. Only to God does divine glory belong. Praise God!
“But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” Herod, killer of James and attempted slayer of Peter, died a horrible death. But the eternal and glorious Word of God continued to spread. There have been many persons since the days of Jesus who have attempted to defame the Truth, and have died and their legacies rotted with their flesh. However, the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not only endures, but prospers. Though the enemy attempts to kill and destroy, God’s Word prevails and reigns. It did then, it always has and it always will. Praise to our God! Thank you Jesus! Only to Him belongs divine praise and glory!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.