King Herod began to harass some who belonged to the church. He had James, John’s brother, killed with a sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he arrested Peter as well. – Acts 12:1-3

Today’s reading from Acts contains a couple of interesting stories. First, Peter being released from jail by an angel and then the demise of Herod Agrippa.

At least that’s how the chapter presents on the surface. But now, having discussed the content with the guys at Tuesday morning Bible study, I believe it is all about Herod and – more specifically – the tragic cost of both a life and a leadership style antithetical to the spirit of the Good News from Jesus.

The chapter starts with Herod beginning to harass followers of Jesus and killing James. The Jewish traditionalists liked this and so, being a populist, Herod planned more of the same and arrested Peter too (a “populist”, by the way, is a leader who tailors their beliefs and behavior to curry popular favor rather than in response to principles).

But God has other plans for Peter so sends an angel to release him. Herod’s response to that? Tantrum. He has the guards – probably a dozen all told – executed. Then he engages in a diplomatic initiative rooted in bullying, narcissism and self-aggrandizement. The people listening to him play their assigned and expected role of groveling flattery – and Herod ate it up…

Actually – and maybe figuratively – the sickening excess and self-indulgence and self-promotion ate Herod up instead. He was consumed by his own rotten soul, his cruelty and his unwillingness to follow God’s words as expressed so clearly through the prophet Micah. So Herod literally rotted out from the inside.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

I find it fascinating that an entire chapter of Acts follows the sad behavior and pathetic consequences of such a man. I presented it in class as an intentional contrast between despotism and faith in Jesus.

But what this story did for us, a group of men encouraging one another as followers of The Way of Jesus, was to remind us that even in the middle of so much opposition and brutality, God provides a way for the Good News to thrive.

Our God is all about thriving, all about good news, all about humility and all about hope – DEREK