Act 12:18-23 | KingComments | STEP | With the disappearance of Peter from the scene, the history of his disappearance is not yet finished. Luke informs us of Herod’s reaction to this and then tells us the end of Herod. That seems to indicate, as already mentioned, that it is about the typological meaning of this whole history. After the deliverance of Peter as a type of the faithful remnant in the end time, we get the judgment on Herod as a type of the antichrist. That judgment comes on him because he lets himself be honored as God, which is also what the antichrist will do. As for the disappearance of Peter, it is understandable that there is great consternation among the soldiers. They were present at the disappearance, did not participate in it, but they did not notice anything about it and therefore could not stop it. It is the confusion of people who think they have everything under control, while things are taking place that are happening completely outside of their control and in which they are nevertheless closely involved. This is the blindness that is characteristic of people who do not take God into account. This also applies to Herod. He first searched for Peter for some time, but he did not find him (cf. ). Then he examines the guards. Of course, they cannot give a satisfactory explanation for Peter’s escape. Then he orders the guards to be led away, that is to be executed. They must pay for Peter’s escape with their own lives, for they are responsible for this escape (cf. ). It is not Peter who dies that day, but a number of soldiers die in his place ( ).

‏ Acts 12:18-23

Herod’s Reaction

With the disappearance of Peter from the scene, the history of his disappearance is not yet finished. Luke informs us of Herod’s reaction to this and then tells us the end of Herod. That seems to indicate, as already mentioned, that it is about the typological meaning of this whole history. After the deliverance of Peter as a type of the faithful remnant in the end time, we get the judgment on Herod as a type of the antichrist. That judgment comes on him because he lets himself be honored as God, which is also what the antichrist will do.

As for the disappearance of Peter, it is understandable that there is great consternation among the soldiers. They were present at the disappearance, did not participate in it, but they did not notice anything about it and therefore could not stop it. It is the confusion of people who think they have everything under control, while things are taking place that are happening completely outside of their control and in which they are nevertheless closely involved. This is the blindness that is characteristic of people who do not take God into account. This also applies to Herod.

He first searched for Peter for some time, but he did not find him (cf. Jer 36:26). Then he examines the guards. Of course, they cannot give a satisfactory explanation for Peter’s escape. Then he orders the guards to be led away, that is to be executed. They must pay for Peter’s escape with their own lives, for they are responsible for this escape (cf. 1Kgs 20:39). It is not Peter who dies that day, but a number of soldiers die in his place (Pro 11:8).

The Death of Herod

Luke also describes the death of Herod. The events giving rise to his death are related to his relationship with the Tyrians and Sidonians. For unknown reasons, Herod was outraged by the Tyrians and Sidonians, the inhabitants of two trading towns on the Mediterranean Sea. These cities depend on Israel for their food supply. This food supply has been shut down by the wrath of Herod. To try and get it going again, they try to flatter Herod.

To re-establish diplomatic relations, they contacted one of Herod’s closest servants, his chamberlain Blastus. They managed to get him to mediate for them with Herod, possibly through bribes. By asking for peace, they ask Herod to reconcile himself with them. Herod accepted the request and appointed a day when he would address the embassy and the people of Caesarea. According to the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, this was the second day of a feast organized by Herod to celebrate a victory of Emperor Claudius.

Josephus also speaks about the royal apparel that Herod put on. He says that it is an apparel woven entirely of silver. Herod thus emphatically acts as king, drawing all attention to himself. In that capacity, and with that display of overwhelming brilliance, he takes his seat on the rostrum to deliver his address. Herod begins by presenting himself as king, a position which he assumes. But that is not all – as he speaks, he grows into a god in that position.

He hears with great pleasure how the people shout at him – no matter how hypocritically because they want to get him back on their side – that his voice is that of a god and not that of a man. They bring him divine honor which he receives gracefully. This adds another aspect to the idea that we find in him a type of the antichrist, because that wicked one too will let himself be worshiped as God (2Thes 2:4).

This tribute that he receives from people brings him the wrath of God that he must receive immediately after this tribute. What is common among the Gentiles and is by no means always immediately judged by God, God judges with Herod without delay. Herod knew better and should not have accepted this.

God shows here that He is the Ruler of the world, however great man’s pride may be. Because Herod lets himself be honored, God strikes him by means of an angel (cf. Dan 4:30-31; Job 40:11-12). Here God also gives a testimony that He is the true Ruler and not the man who persecutes Christians.

This concludes the intermediate section in this chapter. We have had the acts of Peter as well as the seven speeches he gave. After this the acts of Paul begin. We will hear seven speeches from him as well.