Acts 12:20-13:19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 12:20-25

In these verses we have, I. The death of Herod. God reckoned with him, not only for his putting James to death, but for his design and endeavour to put Peter to death; for sinners will be called to an account, not only for the wickedness of their deeds, but for the wickedness of their endeavours (Ps. 28:4), for the mischief they have done and the mischief they would have done. It was but a little while that Herod lived after this. Some sinners God makes quick work with. Observe, 1. How the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 12:20-25

12:20-25 Herod was furious with the people of Tyre and Sidon. But they came to him with a common purpose. They gained the ear of Blastus the king's chamberlain and sued for peace because their country was dependent for its sustenance on the king's territory. Upon an agreed day Herod put on his royal robes and seated himself on a throne and made a speech to them. The people cried out, "It is the voice of a God and not of a man." Immediately the angel of the Lord struck him because he did not... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 12:20

And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon ,.... Two cities on the sea coast, in the land of Phoenicia; with the inhabitants of which Herod was so enraged, that though he had not declared war against them, yet he had meditated it in his mind, and intended to do it at a proper time: what gave him this offence is not certain; that it should be for entertaining and concealing of Peter, when he made his escape, is without any foundation; and nothing but this following on that... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 12:20

Highly displeased with them of Tyre - On what account Herod was thus displeased is not related by any historian, as far as I have been able to ascertain. Josephus, who speaks of this journey of Herod to Caesarea, says nothing of it; and it is useless for us to conjecture. Having made Blastus - their friend - Blastus was probably a eunuch, and had considerable influence over his master Herod; and, to reach the master, it is likely they bribed the chamberlain. Desired peace - The... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 12:20

Verse 20 20.A worthy (761) history, which doth not only show, as it were in a glass, what end is prepared for the enemies of the Church, but also how greatly God hateth pride. The Scripture saith that “God resisteth the proud,” (1 Peter 5:5.) God himself did show a lively image thereof in the person of Herod. And assuredly men cannot extol themselves higher than becometh them, but they shall make war with God, who, to the end he may surpass all, (762) commandeth all flesh to keep silence. And... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:1-24

Sin in high places. Sin has many aspects, and it is not only curious but instructive to see how it shows itself under different conditions. Here we have it manifesting its evil spirit in "high places." Herod's action at this juncture reminds us of— I. ITS CONTEMPTUOUSNESS . "Herod … stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church" ( Acts 12:1 ). He did not stay to inquire whether these men were in the right or not. They had with them the most convincing credentials—strong... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:1-25

The world and the Church. There is, perhaps, no passage in Holy Scripture which contrasts more sharply the principles of the world and of the Church respectively, and the practice flowing from those principles, than the chapter before us. The results of each stand out no less sharply defined. I. THE WORLDLY PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE . Not right, or truth, or justice, but sell seeking policy; to gain some selfish end without regard to the will of God or the welfare of man; the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:1-25

The strength and weakness of Christian discipleship. These verses bring out very strikingly the fact that there is both power and weakness in us who are the followers of Christ. We see it— I. IN APOSTOLIC FUNCTIONS . The apostles of our Lord were invested by their Divine Master with unusual powers. The Holy Ghost descended upon them and conferred great gifts on them (see Acts 5:15 , Acts 5:16 ; Acts 9:31-41 ). Peter was the chief channel through which this Divine efficacy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:1-25

The persecution at Jerusalem. I. THE PUTTING TO DEATH OF JAMES , AND THE SEIZURE OF PETER . The narrative of the former event is short and dry. But, remarks a commentator, whatever the reason of this may be, it is certain that the Holy Spirit, by whose inspiration this history was given, manifested a peculiar wisdom in this very brevity. The holy silence is a sign to us that that which is highest and most pleasing to God is not precisely that of which men love to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 12:20

Now he for and Herod, A.V. and T.R.; and for but, A.V. ; they asked for for desired, A.V. ; fed from for nourished by, A.V. Highly displeased ( θυμομαχῶν ) ; only here in the New Testament, but used by Polybius, as well as the kindred word ψυχομαχεῖν , in the sense of having a hostile spirit against any one, maintaining a strong resentment. It describes a state of feeling which may exist before war, during war, and after war when only a hollow peace has been made. Tyro... read more

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