Herodian persecution of the Church.
Connection of events showing the working of Divine providence. After Stephen's murder, Caligula persecuted the Jews; hence the diversion of their enmity coincident with conversion of Saul On the accession of Claudius, a time of comparative peace. Appointment of Herod Agrippa renewed their hopes; hence their attempt to crush the Church. The contrast between the Jews and the Christians is seen at this point. They put themselves in the hands of Agrippa, appointed successor to Herod Philip, with the whole Syrian province under him, by their persecutor Caligula, and lately under Claudius, receiving Judaea and Samaria; so that he was equal in power to his grandfather, Herod the Great. He was a shameless blasphemer, and feared neither God nor man. Yet the Jewish rulers, in their exasperation, incited him against the Christians. The simplicity of the narrative testifies to the simplicity and sincerity of the disciples. The second martyrdom has only a single line given to it. But how eloquent the silence! The position of Peter was a more prominent one. Herod's wickedness became bolder. He aimed a blow at the very leader of the Church. Contrast the two histories of James and John—one so early cut off, the other surviving to the end of the century. The narrative illustrates—
I. THE SUPERINTENDING CARE OF GOD OVER HIS PEOPLE,
II. THE TOWER OF FAITH IN SUSTAINING COURAGE AND CALMNESS IN TIME OF TRIAL. Peter slept.
III. THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER,
IV. THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND THE KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD.
1. The ease of Divine victory.
2. The peaceful brotherhood over against the cruel tyranny of Herod.
3. The manifestation of the Spirit contrasted with the vain show of power and display of authority. Withdrawment of Herod to Caesarea a sign of defeat.—R.