The Herod mentioned here is Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great who tried to kill Jesus when he was born, and the nephew of Herod Antipas who was involved in John the Baptist’s death and Jesus’ trial.

Herod Agrippa I had thought it was a good idea to persecute the apostles (v1-3). Sadly for him, the miraculous release of Peter from prison, did not teach him the lesson that he and his family needed to learn, which is that you can’t oppose God and win (v18-19).

Herod goes to Caesarea on the coast for peace talks with the people of Tyre and Sidon (v20). Herod is given praise from the people who likened him to God (v21-22). Herod loved this. He was a man who longed for the praise of his people. But while he was pleasing the people he was certainly not pleasing God and was struck dead instantly (v23).

In Isaiah 42 v8 God says, “I will not give my glory to another”. The Lord is jealous about His glory. As we examine our lives one question we need to ask is how much glory do we seek to bring to God day by day? “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”