Acts 12:20-25 - Homilies By E. Johnson

The death of Herod.

I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES . In the height of his power and haughtiness be is suddenly cast down. While raising himself arrogantly against the Majesty on high, by that Majesty he is brought low and put to shame. Also it is while he is being sought by petitioners, and hailed by the flattering voice of the multitude as a god. These features have all the elements of the most solemn tragedy. The messenger of Divine judgment smites him straightway, and he perishes miserably,

II. ITS MORAL .

1. "Because he gave not the glory to God" is the reason of the judgment. To God alone belongs honor. He is the Fountain of power, the Foundation of all stability. He who forsakes God ruins himself and causes destruction to others. God "resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

2. The moral is seen also in contrast. Those who honor God, as Barnabas and Saul, receive honor from God. The persecutor is cast down, while the persecuted flourish and the work goes on. The blood of the martyr waters the field of the Church, and the tyrant fertilizes it with his bones.—J.