Acts 12:20-25

Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. 20 He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for 

peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply.

21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

24 But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.

25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

-Acts 12:20-25

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Throughout this chapter in Acts, we learn about Herod's character. He is an evil, sinful man who executes innocent people and gets in the way of God. In the previous passage, we read that King Herod executed and even put to death people who belonged to the church, God's people. He arrested Peter, one of the apostles, to prevent him from teaching. As you can see even in verse 21, Herod is a selfish person who gets what he wants and only cares about his own glory from the people.

As we read about this unfair treatment, we know that none of these innocent believers deserve to live under Herod's rule. Peter definitely didn't deserve to almost be killed. We want justice for our people.

However, it is said many times in the bible that we Christians should never take revenge. We need to let God take revenge for us and let Him do his thing. God is a jealous God and if there is anyone getting in His way, He will come in with His almighty power. God does not forget about the wrongdoings of His people and He will punish them and let them face the consequences because He is fair.

God remembered Herod's actions and brought His judgment on Him. This is a reminder to be humble and don't take pride like Herod. The glory all goes to God and no one else. This world is full of injustice and oppression, but don't forget that God will eventually bring His judgement on the people.