Today’s passage: Acts 12:20-25
Helpful thoughts:
- Herod did not have to believe in God to be held accountable for not giving Him the glory He deserves. (Romans 1:18-25)
- Josephus the historian gives account of Herod wearing a robe made of silver on this occasion and then enduring terrible pain for five days before he died.
- In the midst of political upheaval, Paul, Barnabas and the church kept focused on the task at hand. They weren’t ignorant of what was going on around them, but they weren’t ruled by it either.
Questions to consider:
- How should the Christians in 44 A.D. have viewed King Herod? To whom was he responsible ultimately (Just the Caesar or Someone higher)? How can this help us to think correctly about politicians and politics in our day and in this country? What do presidents and governors need more than our vote? How do our responses and criticisms help or hurt the cause to which Christ has called us?
- How can Herod’s responsibility before God also bring us peace in the midst of political or governmental uncertainty and turmoil? Who is in control? (Proverbs 21:1) Regardless of who is in office, who is God defending? (Romans 8:31-39)
- What ministry would God have us fulfill right now? How can we keep the main thing the main thing? (Matthew 28:18-20)