Divine Judgment and the Flourishing Gospel

 

Summary

In the passage from Acts 12:20 to 13:3, we witness a dramatic contrast between the fate of Herod Agrippa and the flourishing of the Gospel. Herod, who had been persecuting the early church, is struck down by God for his arrogance and failure to give glory to God. This event serves as a stark reminder of the peril of pride and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. Herod's death, as described by both Luke and the historian Josephus, is a vivid illustration of divine judgment. Despite Herod's attempts to exalt himself, he is ultimately humbled and consumed by worms, while the Word of God continues to grow and multiply.

The narrative then shifts to the church in Antioch, where we see the Holy Spirit at work, calling Barnabas and Saul to a new mission. This moment marks a significant transition in the early church, as these leaders are set apart for the work God has prepared for them. The church's response—fasting, praying, and laying hands on them—demonstrates a deep reliance on God's guidance and a commitment to His mission.

The story of Menan, who was raised in the same household as Herod Antipas yet became a leader in the church, highlights God's sovereign grace. Just as God called Moses from Pharaoh's house, He calls Menan from Herod's household, illustrating that God's purposes transcend human circumstances. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace can reach anyone, regardless of their background.

Key Takeaways:

- The Peril of Pride: Herod Agrippa's downfall is a sobering reminder of the dangers of pride and self-exaltation. When we fail to give glory to God and instead seek to elevate ourselves, we risk facing divine judgment. True wisdom lies in recognizing God's sovereignty and humbling ourselves before Him. [12:18]

- The Unstoppable Gospel: Despite Herod's persecution, the Word of God continued to grow and multiply. This demonstrates the unstoppable nature of the Gospel, which thrives even in the face of opposition. God's purposes will prevail, and His message will reach the ends of the earth. [14:56]

- Divine Calling and Obedience: The calling of Barnabas and Saul in Antioch underscores the importance of being attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading. When God calls us to a task, our response should be one of obedience, supported by prayer and community. This is how the church fulfills its mission. [01:35]

- God's Sovereign Grace: Menan's story illustrates that God's grace can reach anyone, regardless of their upbringing or background. Just as God called Moses from Pharaoh's house, He calls individuals from unlikely places to serve His purposes. This is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace. [17:23]

- The Importance of Fear of God: The narrative of Herod Agrippa and Belshazzar's feast serves as a warning about the consequences of lacking a fear of God. Reverence for God is foundational to a life of wisdom and righteousness. Without it, we risk falling into arrogance and ultimately facing judgment. [13:04]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Herod's Anger and the People of Tyre and Sidon
- [00:46] - Herod's Oration and Divine Judgment
- [01:06] - The Growth of the Word of God
- [01:19] - The Church in Antioch
- [01:35] - The Holy Spirit's Call
- [02:41] - Herod's Persecution in Jerusalem
- [03:20] - The Historical Context of Tyre and Sidon
- [04:38] - The Disruption of Trade
- [06:32] - Herod's Oration and the People's Response
- [07:14] - Josephus' Account of Herod's Death
- [08:20] - The Celebration in Caesarea
- [09:15] - Herod's Silver Garment
- [10:38] - Mistaken for a God
- [11:28] - Herod's Pain and Death
- [12:42] - The Judgment of God
- [15:13] - Leaders in the Church of Antioch
- [17:23] - Menan's Story and God's Grace

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 12:20-13:3

Observation Questions:
1. What was the reaction of the people of Tyre and Sidon to Herod's oration, and what was Herod's response to their acclamation? [06:32]
2. How did the church in Antioch respond to the Holy Spirit's call for Barnabas and Saul? [01:35]
3. What significant event marked the transition in the early church as described in Acts 13:1-3? [01:19]
4. Who was Menan, and what is notable about his background in relation to Herod Antipas? [15:57]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Herod Agrippa's downfall illustrate the peril of pride and the importance of giving glory to God? [12:18]
2. In what ways does the narrative of Acts 12:24-25 demonstrate the unstoppable nature of the Gospel despite opposition? [14:36]
3. What does the calling of Barnabas and Saul reveal about the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early church's mission? [01:35]
4. How does Menan's story serve as an example of God's sovereign grace reaching individuals from unlikely backgrounds? [17:23]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when pride may have led you away from acknowledging God's sovereignty. How can you cultivate humility in your daily life? [12:18]
2. The Gospel continued to grow despite Herod's persecution. How can you remain steadfast in your faith when facing opposition or challenges? [14:36]
3. How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading in your life, especially when it comes to fulfilling God's mission? [01:35]
4. Menan's story shows that God's grace can reach anyone. Is there someone in your life who seems unlikely to embrace faith? How can you be a vessel of grace to them? [17:23]
5. Consider the importance of community support in the church's mission. How can you actively participate in your church community to support its mission and vision? [01:35]
6. Herod's lack of fear of God led to his downfall. How can you cultivate a healthy reverence for God in your personal and spiritual life? [13:04]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on God's guidance rather than your own understanding. What steps can you take to seek His direction? [01:35]

Devotional

Day 1: The Dangers of Pride and Self-Exaltation
Herod Agrippa's downfall is a vivid illustration of the peril of pride and the consequences of failing to give glory to God. His arrogance led to divine judgment, as he was struck down for exalting himself rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty. This serves as a sobering reminder that pride can lead to our downfall, and true wisdom lies in humbling ourselves before God. When we seek to elevate ourselves above others and God, we risk facing the same fate as Herod. The story of Herod Agrippa is a call to examine our own hearts and ensure that we are giving God the glory He deserves. [12:18]

Acts 12:21-23 (ESV): "On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, 'The voice of a god, and not of a man!' Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek recognition or glory for yourself? How can you intentionally redirect that glory to God today?


Day 2: The Resilience of the Gospel
Despite Herod's persecution, the Word of God continued to grow and multiply, demonstrating the unstoppable nature of the Gospel. This passage highlights that God's purposes will prevail, even in the face of opposition. The early church faced significant challenges, yet the message of Christ continued to spread and transform lives. This is a powerful reminder that no matter the obstacles we face, God's Word will not be hindered. We are called to be faithful in sharing the Gospel, trusting that God will use our efforts to further His kingdom. [14:56]

2 Timothy 2:9 (ESV): "for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!"

Reflection: What challenges or opposition are you currently facing in sharing your faith? How can you trust in the power of the Gospel to overcome these obstacles?


Day 3: Attentiveness to the Holy Spirit's Call
The calling of Barnabas and Saul in Antioch underscores the importance of being attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading. The church's response—fasting, praying, and laying hands on them—demonstrates a deep reliance on God's guidance. When God calls us to a task, our response should be one of obedience, supported by prayer and community. This is how the church fulfills its mission, by being sensitive to the Spirit's direction and stepping out in faith. We are reminded to seek God's guidance in all we do and to be ready to respond when He calls. [01:35]

Acts 13:2-3 (ESV): "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

Reflection: How can you create space in your life to listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance? What steps can you take to ensure you are ready to respond when He calls?


Day 4: God's Grace Transcends Backgrounds
Menan's story illustrates that God's grace can reach anyone, regardless of their upbringing or background. Just as God called Moses from Pharaoh's house, He calls individuals from unlikely places to serve His purposes. This is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace, which is not limited by human circumstances. We are reminded that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and that He can use anyone for His glory. This encourages us to see others through the lens of grace and to be open to how God might use us in unexpected ways. [17:23]

1 Corinthians 1:26-28 (ESV): "For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are."

Reflection: Who in your life might you be overlooking as a potential vessel of God's grace? How can you encourage and support them in their journey of faith?


Day 5: Reverence for God as the Foundation of Wisdom
The narrative of Herod Agrippa and Belshazzar's feast serves as a warning about the consequences of lacking a fear of God. Reverence for God is foundational to a life of wisdom and righteousness. Without it, we risk falling into arrogance and ultimately facing judgment. This passage calls us to cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, recognizing His authority and majesty. It is through this reverence that we gain true wisdom and align our lives with His purposes. We are encouraged to examine our hearts and ensure that our actions reflect a deep respect for God. [13:04]

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life? How might this change the way you approach decisions and relationships?

Quotes


"Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Ty and siden but they came to him with one Accord and having made blastus the king's personal aid their friend they asked for peace because their country was supplied with food by the king's country so on a set day Herod AR raay in Royal apparel sat on his throne and gave an oration to them and the people kept shouting the voice of a God and not of a man and then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give glory to God and he was eaten by worms and died but the word of God grew and multiplied." [00:12:47]

"Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers Barnabas Simeon who was called Niger Lucius of sirene Manan who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch and Saul and as they ministered to the Lord and fasted the holy spirit said now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them then having fasted and prayed and laid hands on them they sent them away he has ears to hear the word of God let him hear." [00:19:36]

"Now father as we continue to listen to the record of your providential hand by which your church was established in the first century your defense of those who were commissioned to that Ministry your judgment upon those who resisted it we pray that we may be instructed and encouraged by your providential care of all of your people but we ask it in jesus' name amen we just heard about the persecution that Herod a grippa had carried out against the Saints in Jerusalem harassing them putting the Apostle James to death shutting up Peter in prison before his miraculous and Supernatural Rescue by the angel of the Lord." [00:21:44]

"Herod arrayed in Royal Peril sat on his throne and gave an oration to them and the people kept shouting the voice of a God and not of a man and immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give glory to God he was eaten by worms and died now this tur brief account of the death of King Agrippa is interesting as far as it goes but this is one of those texts in the New Testament that is elucidated by much further and expanded description by a first century historian of the Jews namely Josephus." [00:33:22]

"I always encourag my students in the Seminary that in addition to their studies of the New Testament they ought not to be without a copy of Josephus Jewish Antiquities because he gives such a gripping account of the history of the first century and what went on up till the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem in 70 AD and this I believe it's in the 19th section or chapter of Josephus Antiquities that he gives a description of the death of Herod grippa and at every point he agrees with Luke's account but he adds some fascinating details." [00:37:32]

"Beloved there is no more perilous condition for any human being to be in than to have no fear of God in your heart remember belshazzar's Feast when in the midst of his anger he brought out the holy vessels of God to celebrate with his underlings and in the midst of that joyous celebration in the very midst of his arrogance he looked and he and he alone could see the back wall of the auditorium and he sees the hand writing on the wall a disembodied hand writing the words may NE may take a Parson you have been weighed in the balance and found Waring." [00:48:04]

"But in stark contrast to the fate of Agrippa Luke adds the fate of the Gospel where he says but the word of God grew the word of God multiplied the worms didn't eat the gospel they ate the king and the gospel flourished and then quickly we read that Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem where they fulfilled their Ministry and took John Mark with them and we get a little brief introduction about those who were the leaders in the Church of Antioch at this time listen in the church there were certain prophets and teachers Barnabas Simeon who was called Niger who may have Poss possibly have been Simon of sirene who was the man who carried part of the cross of Jesus." [00:54:39]

"Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch actually he was the Foster son of Herod the tetrarch who was Herod Antipas the Young youngest son of Herod the Great and here is men who is born and raised in the same household as Herod anpus remember Herod anpus you know who he was you remember his famous festivity and the dance you know salomi and herodias and all of that and they brought him the head of John the Baptist on the platter it was Herod anpus that Herod anpus who had John the Baptist murdered it was that Herod antibus that was involved in the trial of Jesus when they kept passing Jesus back and forth between the Jewish authorities and the Roman authorities." [00:58:44]

"Imagine this menahan is raised in the same house in the same family being taught the same values as Herod anpus doesn't it remind you of an Old Testament person who was adopted into the house of faith o trained in the Arts the medicine and the science of the Egyptians who then was exiled Into the midianite Wilderness until God called him out of the burning bush and set him as the head of his people in the Old Testament so God will take from the household of pharaoh Moses and exalt him in his sight and he will take from the very House of Herod Antipas his foster brother Menan and make him a leader of the Apostolic Church in Antioch that's how God works." [01:04:05]

"Beloved Jacob has he loved Esau has he hated one is taken one is left if you are this morning a Christian you're a Christian by the same Grace that called menahem out of the household of Herod anpus and pray to God that none of you would be the real children of anpus." [01:11:06]

"Herod had been very angry with the people of Ty and siden now we don't know what it was that precipitated this Fury by Agrippa against the people of Ty and siden but we know that Ty and siden were the Two Chief cities of the ancient Phoenician people some of you when you study world history in school can include in that study a history of the Phoenicians because their civilization went so far back in history and they developed a very profitable sea trade they were known for their commercial prowess and had been involved in trading with the nation of Israel at this time for over a thousand years." [00:34:06]

"Herod arrayed in Royal Peril sat on his throne and gave an oration to them and the people kept shouting the voice of a God and not of a man and immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give glory to God he was eaten by worms and died now this tur brief account of the death of King Agrippa is interesting as far as it goes but this is one of those texts in the New Testament that is elucidated by much further and expanded description by a first century historian of the Jews namely Josephus." [00:33:22]

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Transcript
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