King Herod Struck Down and Eaten by Worms <Ac 12:19-25>

Prologue:

* Kings of the world (strong men), have opposed God and His people since the beginning.

* Era before the flood

* Era of city and tower of Babel

* Era of Pharoah

* 31 kings of Canaan

* All these proved that the kings of the world cannot overcome God and His people

* But God is always accomplishing His purposes and punishing evil ones in His determined time.

* God’s purpose – For the people of God to humble and rely on Him

* God’s timing – for evil to reach its full measure, in order to incur the righteous anger of God

* Herod did not give glory to God, was eaten by worms.

* It shows that when man exalts himself to be equal to God, his end is worse than worms.

* Few ways man exalts himself:

1) Intellectual pride

Eg. Nietzsche, Hemingway

2) Boasting own power and strength

Eg. Pharaoh, Assyria, King Nebuchadnezzar, Goliath

3) Exalt self as god

Eg. Alexander, King Herod

* When a person exalts himself as God, he claims to be supreme and does everything as he pleases, forgoing his conscience.

Read <Ac 12:19-25>

1. <v19>: Herod put to death the 16 soldiers who were guarding Peter.

* When boastful kings failed to get what they want, they would put the blame on others.

2. <v20>: Herod did not get along with people of Tyre and Sidon on the Phoenician coast.

3. <v21-22>: Herod's public address and the people's flattery.

4. <v23>: (1) Roman historian Josephus recorded:

* Herod originally went to Caesarea to attend a celebration in Caesar's honour.

* Herod wore a robe made of silver that shone in the sunlight.

* During the speech, a strong pain suddenly arose in his stomach.

* The pain was so severe that he was carried back to his palace and died within five days.

* Herod died at the age of 54 (shortened life span).

*Josephus' and Luke's accounts differed in emphasis.

* One saw the historical facts, the other saw the spiritual truth.

5. <v23>: (2) Because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down.

* Deceived God’s people with outward piety.

* In order to win the hearts of the people, he killed James and also wanted to kill Peter.

* In order to save his own face, he executed all the soldiers guarding the prison.

* He accepted the praise from people who called him god.

* Lord Jesus is a king who is the exact opposite of him.

6. <v24>: The church turned defeat into victory.

* The world actively attacks the church, but the church is passively blessed.

* The persecution of the church will not last long. As long as it endures, it will eventually be revived.

7. <v25>: Great missionary work is about to begin.