THE WORD OF GOD CONTINUED TO SPREAD

Passage: Acts 12:18-24

Key verse: 24

NIV

18 In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 19 After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed.(A)

Herod’s Death

Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea(B) and stayed there. 20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon;(C) 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.(D)

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(E) of the Lord struck him down,(F) and he was eaten by worms and died.

24 But the word of God(G) continued to spread and flourish.(H)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

18 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 (A)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 (B)having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain,[a] they asked for peace, because (C)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 (D)an angel of the Lord struck him down, because (E)he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But (F)the word of God increased and multiplied.

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Footnotes
  1. Acts 12:20 That is, trusted personal attendant
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Peter, with the help of an angel, escaped from his prison cell. When it was discovered the next morning that Peter was no longer in his cell, a commotion started. Where was Peter? Herod called out the guard and had a thorough search made of the city, but Peter was not found. Someone had to be held accountable. So, Herod summoned the guards to himself, cross-examined them, and then had them executed. King Herod was both cruel and blind. He imprisoned innocent servants of God and killed innocent guards. Soon, God would hold Herod accountable for his sin.

This came about when King Herod made a visit to Caesarea. He went there to make a peace treaty with the people of Tyre and Sidon, with whom he had been quarreling. But because they were dependent on Herod for food imports, they asked King Herod to come and make peace. On the day the treaty was to be signed, Herod gave an oration. Cruel though he was, he must have been an excellent speaker, for when the people heard him speak, they said he had the voice of a god. When Herod didn’t immediately give praise to God, he was immediately struck down and eaten by worms. Despite all this, the word of God continued to spread. Human leaders seem powerful. But God’s authority always prevails.

Prayer: Father, help us to fear you, and not men like Herod.

One Word: God’s word spreads despite evil men