The Book of Acts

Herod Agrippa I - His story

 

            Did you happen to know that there were 4 generations of the Herod family that ruled over the Jewish people on behalf of the Roman Government? There was Herod the Great, who was Agrippa’s grandfather; Herod Antipas, who was Agrippa’s uncle; then there was Agrippa I and finally Agrippa II. Each one had a perpetual effect on the one succeeding them, as they all left their own distinct mark on the peoples they ruled against.

                  Herod the Great was the King who had all of Bethlehem’s baby boys murdered in an effort to keep the Messianic child from being born. His plan failed, although it wrought evil upon a whole grouping of people who watched as their innocent sons were slaughtered for no reason other than a King’s vanity and paranoia. Herod Antipas was not only involved in the trial of Jesus but was responsible for John the Baptist’s execution. We are seeing what Herod Agrippa I was involved in as his had the apostle James murdered. Finally, we come to Herod Agrippa II was one of the apostle Paul’s judges.

                  As the early church was growing with the addition of new Gentile converts, persecution kicked into overdrive. We’ve already seen that James was murdered and Peter was imprisoned, which cause Herod Agrippa I to find a measure of favor with the Jewish people. However, Agrippa made a monumental error that resulted in his immediate death. While visiting Caesarea, the people called him a god and his accepted this praise. Now God is a jealous god, not willing to share glory with anyone, so once Agrippa allowed himself to be verbally exalted as god, he was instantly struck with a very painful disease. He died within a week. “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols.” (Isaiah 42:8 NLT)

                  So what can we say about Herod Agrippa I in summation: He was a capable administrator & negotiator, managed to have reasonably good relations with the Jews and with Rome. His mistakes are mentioned above; murder, unjust imprisonment & stealing praise from Almighty God. What lessons do we learn from Agrippa I: Never set yourself in opposition to God, for you are doomed to failure before you even start; Realize the grave danger of accepting praise that belongs to God and him alone; and family traits can influence children to do either great things or evil things. Live a righteous life that is pleasing to the Lord, and you will be fulfilled and blessed. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.