“The Mighty Hand Of God”
Acts 12:18-24
Last week we looked Acts 12:1-19 when Peter was taken into custody with the intent that Herod would have him killed right after the Passover celebration.
Think about that for just a moment. They are celebrating the time when the Jews were made free from Egypt and they couldn’t wait to kill someone who is speaking about freedom from sin.
Introduction:
We read once again about the trouble these solders are in.
A thought: why should they be overly concerned because it was not long before this that a stone was rolled away the a tomb was found empty.
The Religious crowd said if you say someone stole the body while you were sleeping we will protect you, so why not now?
Not so funny when something happens and you’re “so called” friends will not help.
Acts 12:18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
(about 57 miles journey)
We ended with Peter out of jail and the soldiers are now aware of the fact that Peter was not where he should be.
No fault of their own, yet they will suffer death because they allowed a prisoner to escape.
I. Let’s Make A Deal
Acts 12:20 “And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.
There is no mention of the troubles that had taken place in Jerusalem with Peter.
Two cities on the sea coast, in the land of Phoenicia; with the inhabitants of which Herod was so enraged, that though he had not declared war against them it could be considered a real possibility; what gave him this offence is not certain
Two (2) cities came together to appease the king of the region.
They had a friend on the inside to help reach peace instead of destruction.
II. Let’s Make A Decree
Acts 12:21 “And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.”
Herod, arrayed in royal apparel - A Jewish historian attending said, “his apparel was all of silver, and that going in very early in the morning into the theater, the silver shone so with the rays of the rising sun, that it struck the spectators with terror and admiration:
Sat upon his throne - likely with the other signs of royalty, as a crown on his head, and a scepter in his hand:
Made an oration unto them. - Addressed the people.
Oration - It is the word for giving a speech. What was said is not mentioned but the reply was.
III. Let’s Make A Dedication
Acts 12:22 “And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.”
And the people gave a shout - Flatterers, attempt to impress the speaker.
It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. – I can only say that the Jews in attendance would not have agreed to this statement because they would know this would be called “Blasphemy”
Just note that Herod did not stop this worship of himself.
IV. Let’s Make A Discovery
Acts 12:23 “And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.”
Smote him - A divine judgment declared
Herod did not stop the flattery but seemed to receive it in his heart. God knows the heart not man, but man can see judgment when it arrives.
He was eaten of worms, - while alive death descended upon him.
A thought: we diagnose in today’s terms = a flesh eating virus.
And gave up the ghost - Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
Announcement:
Acts 12:24 “But the word of God grew and multiplied.”
Conclusion:
History records that the greatest time of people coming into salvation is through great tribulations.
We have grown comfortable in these times, but mark my words, “This too shall end.”
With tribulations comes great testimony of a wonderful Saviour.
Do you know Jesus?
I fear that may profess their salvation but have never really come to the saving faith that only Jesus gives through his death, burial, and resurrection.
