Herod’s Miraculous Death
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | July 13, 2025
Open your Bibles to Acts 12:20-23. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for the fellowship, teaching, and singing today. Let this text jar us to prepare to meet You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On July 13, 2025, Senior Pastor Bill Rains continues his series on miracles in Acts, focusing on the miraculous death of Herod Agrippa I in Acts 12:20-23. Following his sermon on Peter’s miraculous deliverance from Herod’s prison (Acts 12:1-11), Pastor Rains describes Herod’s prideful demise in Caesarea. Angered with Tyre and Sidon, Herod delivered a grand oration, basking in the crowd’s flattery: It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. Failing to give God glory, he was struck by an angel, eaten by worms, and died. Pastor Rains shares three lessons: the danger of seeking human acclaim, the sin of a prideful heart, and the sovereignty of the true Potentate, urging preparation for God’s judgment.
The Danger of Seeking Human Acclaim
Herod, adorned in royal apparel, delivered a polished oration, likely for Caesar’s wife, as noted by historian Josephus. The crowd, including Tyre and Sidon’s representatives, shouted, It is the voice of a god, possibly to flatter Herod for political aid. Pastor Rains warns that seeking human applause, as Herod did, is fleeting. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:1, Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them, condemning those who, like Herod, crave glory from men, not God. The crowd’s motives—political gain—were impure, as God examines hearts (1 Samuel 16:7, The Lord looketh on the heart). Pastor Rains contrasts this with George Beverly Shea’s song, “I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause,” urging believers to seek God’s approval over temporary praise.
The Sin of a Prideful Heart
Herod’s pride, taking glory for himself, led to his downfall. Because he gave not God the glory (Acts 12:23), he was judged. Pastor Rains cites Proverbs 6:16-19, These six things doth the Lord hate…a proud look, noting pride tops God’s “hate list.” Lucifer’s fall in Isaiah 14:12-15, I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, stemmed from pride, as did Herod’s. Pride prevents salvation, as some refuse to admit sin or trust Jesus, and hinders service, as illustrated by a man praying to serve in an “advisory capacity” rather than God’s will (Luke 22:42, Not my will, but thine, be done). Pastor Rains warns that pride focuses on self, blinding us to God’s purpose, and calls for humility to give God glory.
The Sovereignty of the True Potentate
Herod’s throne was overshadowed by the true Potentate, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 6:15-16, The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings). His sudden death—smote by the angel of the Lord…eaten of worms—shows God’s sovereignty. Pastor Rains recalls catching birds with a box and string as a child, likening it to Ecclesiastes 9:12, Man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes are taken in an evil net. Hebrews 9:27, It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, and Proverbs 29:1, He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy, underscore that God controls life and death. Pastor Rains urges readiness for judgment, asking if pride or worldly acclaim distracts us from the true King.
