Acts 12:19-24

Written By Jodi Figgins

Read Acts 12:19-24

Helpful Background Information:  

  • Acts 12:19-24 tells the story of King Herod Agrippa’s death, a ruler who allowed pride to consume him. After having Peter imprisoned and miraculously released by an angel, Herod ordered the guards executed. He then went to Caesarea, where he gave a public speech. The people, perhaps seeking to flatter or manipulate him, shouted, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Instead of rejecting this blasphemous praise, Herod accepted it, and immediately, God struck him down. Luke records that he was “eaten by worms and died.” It’s a shocking moment, but also a clear echo of what happened to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. Both kings were prideful and received divine warnings. But while Nebuchadnezzar eventually repented and was restored, Herod did not, and the result was judgment.

Reflection Questions: 

  • In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar was humbled and restored. In Acts 12, Herod was judged and died. What made their outcomes different?

  • Verse 23 says Herod was struck down “because he did not give God the glory.” What does it mean to give God glory in your daily life?

  • How might you be tempted to seek credit or recognition in ways that compete with God’s glory? What does surrender look like in those moments?

Jodi Figgins
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Daniel 4