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I. Herod’s Tribulation. Herod Agrippa I. Born in 10 BC Father Aristobulus was executed 7 BC by Herod Gr.; sent him and mother to Rome Grew up on close terms w. royal family Playboy, heavily in debt A.D.37, Caligula gave him tetrarchies of Philip and Lysanias and title of king
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Herod Agrippa I • Born in 10 BC • Father Aristobulus was executed 7 BC by Herod Gr.; sent him and mother to Rome • Grew up on close terms w. royal family • Playboy, heavily in debt • A.D.37, Caligula gave him tetrarchies of Philip and Lysanias and title of king • Uncle Antipas (Mk.6) was banished A.D.39; Agrippa received his territory • Claudius (AD 41) added Judea and Samaria
Herod’s background in Ac.12 • He knew Jews hated his family, and did everything to win their affection • In Rome, he lived as a Roman, in Jeru-salem, as a Jew • “Brother”
Religious harassment (1) • Harm, mistreat (7:6, 19) • Previous persecutions came from Jewish fanatics; now, civil authority
The climax of persecution Peter (3)(Ac.5:17-21) James (2) (Mt.20:20-23) Church (1) (Jn.16:1-2)
Evidence for truth of gospel. No onewillingly diesfor a lie Problem of pain and evil. Mk.5, 9, 14 Lord loved them;both would die We’re justpassing through;our home isin heaven. Rejoice w. James Herod will notget thelast word. Look attheir legacies
I. Herod’s Tribulation II. Peter’s Trust
Was kept in prison (5) Self-confidence(Mt.26:31-35) Denied Jesus(Mt.26:69-75) • 6, Peter had no reason to believe he would be rescued (James was not) Lord-confidence(Jn.21) Died for Jesus(2 Pt.1)
I. Herod’s Tribulation II. Peter’s Trust III. Peter’s Triumph
What saved Peter? 1. Brethren prayed, 5 (Lk.22:44); 12 • His release? (13-15) 2. God intervened, 7-10 3. Peter obeyed, 8-11 • God did what Peter could not do
God Peter Prayer, 5-6 Arose, 7 Angel, 7 Sandals, 8 Chains, 7 Garment, 8 Gate, 10 Followed angel, 9
I. Herod’s Tribulation II. Peter’s Trust III. Peter’s Triumph IV. Herod’s Termination
The best laid plans… • 4, 5, 11 • Herod: would die before Peter • 18-19 • Time to panic • Code of Justinian
F. C. Burkitt “Peter’s escape was contrived by human means…Some human sympa-thizer was at work, who had drugged the guards and bribed the turnkey.” Ac.16 Unbelief requires tons of faith
Herod’s choices 1. Peter was released by an act of God 2. Soldiers conspired to release him • Apostles had a Cause • Soldiers had no motive Herod murders 16 innocent men Verse 24
The terminator, terminated • An unjust, dishonest murderer accepts praise of divine worship (21-22) • 23, a god? • Josephus • Ga.6:7; Rv.20:10 Mt.12:30