The Word Keeps Moving
[ READ ] Acts 12:18-25
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 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, 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 Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.
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, 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 Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.
Acts 12:23 may not be your go-to memory verse, but like all Scripture, it is "profitable for teaching" (2 Tim. 3:16). So what does this passage teach us about the character of God?
Scripture consistently warns about the danger of pride. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18). Likewise, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).
Scripture also reminds us that earthly rulers are accountable to God. He "removes kings and sets up kings" (Dan. 2:21), and Jesus taught, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (Luke 12:48).
Taken together, these truths help us understand the framework by which God exercises righteous judgment. Herod Agrippa I (one of the six Herods mentioned in the New Testament, a confusing family of notoriously wicked rulers) had already ordered the execution of James, the brother of John, and intended to execute Peter as well. He was undoubtedly a wicked king. Yet, as with King Nebuchadnezzar centuries earlier, Scripture highlights pride and arrogance as central to God's final judgment (Dan. 4; Dan. 5:20–22).
Herod Agrippa I accepted the praise and worship that belonged to God alone. Rather than giving glory to the Lord, he embraced the adoration of the crowd as though he were divine. For this act of blasphemous pride - together with his persecution of Christ's followers - God struck him down.
Acts 12:23 reminds us that God is patient, sovereign, and just. He alone deserves glory, and He will not share His honor with another. Those who exalt themselves invite His opposition, while those who humble themselves before Him receive His grace.
- Jason Rimmer
Scripture consistently warns about the danger of pride. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18). Likewise, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).
Scripture also reminds us that earthly rulers are accountable to God. He "removes kings and sets up kings" (Dan. 2:21), and Jesus taught, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (Luke 12:48).
Taken together, these truths help us understand the framework by which God exercises righteous judgment. Herod Agrippa I (one of the six Herods mentioned in the New Testament, a confusing family of notoriously wicked rulers) had already ordered the execution of James, the brother of John, and intended to execute Peter as well. He was undoubtedly a wicked king. Yet, as with King Nebuchadnezzar centuries earlier, Scripture highlights pride and arrogance as central to God's final judgment (Dan. 4; Dan. 5:20–22).
Herod Agrippa I accepted the praise and worship that belonged to God alone. Rather than giving glory to the Lord, he embraced the adoration of the crowd as though he were divine. For this act of blasphemous pride - together with his persecution of Christ's followers - God struck him down.
Acts 12:23 reminds us that God is patient, sovereign, and just. He alone deserves glory, and He will not share His honor with another. Those who exalt themselves invite His opposition, while those who humble themselves before Him receive His grace.
- Jason Rimmer
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ Lord, examine me and show me where I have pride or arrogance that I can turn from.
+ Lord, examine me and show me where I have pride or arrogance that I can turn from.
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, cleanse me of any pride or arrogance and replace it with Your fruits of kindness, gentleness and self control.
+ Pray with me:
Lord, cleanse me of any pride or arrogance and replace it with Your fruits of kindness, gentleness and self control.
[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who is my spiritual mentor with whom I can discuss this passage?
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
+ Who is my spiritual mentor with whom I can discuss this passage?
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