Herod killed the apostle James and imprisoned Peter, with the intention of killing him after the Passover feast. This is Herod Agrippa - grandson of Herod the Great who was in power when Jesus was born. He persecuted the Christians in an attempt to curry the favor of the Jews. Ah, politics - there is nothing new under the sun. Government leaders have been wooing the people since the dawn of time in order to keep their power and position. Remember, these men and women are not our saviors. They are willing to make promises they can't keep and turn on the minority to impress the majority all in an attempt to keep power. Be wise in listening to them. Understand how your government works and our role in that government.
Why was Peter so heavily guarded? This was actually common Roman practice. The night before his death, an angel of the Lord appeared and freed him. I love the honesty of the Scripture. Until Peter was standing outside the jail house, he thought he was having a dream or a vision. Peter was use to miracles and visions, but he was still a simple human with a human mind. The supernatural often takes us by surprise, even an apostle who walked and talked with Jesus. So, don't put these men on pedestals. Don't think they were better than you. Don't count yourself out of God's plan. Peter was a simple fisherman who helped to change the world simply because he believed and was willing to follow.
Why does this reading end with the death of Herod? Once again, because of politics. The leaders of the world, the country, our town, make and enforce the rules, but the people still have a voice. So, use your voice and your vote. Speak out against wrong, but remember to do so with love. And never forget that we are to pray for our leaders, even those we don't like.
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