ACC ~ Acts 12 v20 - 25

OVERVIEW:

This is another instance of Luke’s theocentric understanding of the events that concern the church. We have little indication of how the Fathers understood Acts 12:25, which, as modern authors note, should read, “When they had finished their service to Jerusalem, Barnabas and Saul returned.” As in the last entry above, so too here, the source of the violence and suffering as recounted in Acts is a concern. Herod’s actions against the soldiers were permitted by God, who can right unjust actions when the end comes (CHRYSOSTOM, at Acts 12:19 above). Chrysostom, however, brings out an irony in Herod’s death. The assumption of divinity, the claim to be beyond death and worthy of worship, calls for punishment when it is false. So Herod’s acceptance of the people’s declaration, one implying immortality, is met with the onset of death that has no human agent. Christ’s death, however, despite the import of his words, was inflicted by people whose judgment was as equally meaningless as in the case of Herod. Herod’s death also serves the people as a divine correction of their hyperbolic flattery.

12:22 | The Voice of a God

HEROD’S DEATH PROCLAIMS CHRIST’S DIVINITY. CHRYSOSTOM: If this man, because he heard himself called “the voice of a god, and not of man!” suffered such a fate, even though he said nothing, much more would Christ have suffered, were he not God. For he was always saying such things as “these words of mine are not mine,” “angels minister to me,” etc. That man, then, ended his life in shame and misery, and no more was seen of him. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 27.

12:23 | An Angel Struck Herod

OTHERS LEARN FROM HEROD’S PUNISHMENT. CHRYSOSTOM: Notice how the writer does not conceal this. Why does he mention this story? Tell me, what does it have to do with the gospel that Herod is incensed with the Tyrians and Sidonians? … But it is of no small importance how immediately justice overtook him, even though it was not on account of Peter but because of his own haughtiness. And yet, one may ask, if it was those people who shouted, what does it have to do with him? But he accepted the acclamation, he deemed himself worthy of the adoration. Through him a lesson is taught, especially to those who flattered him without cause. Do you see how both parties deserved punishment, but only he was chastised? For this is not the time of judgment. He punishes the one who had most to answer for and leaves the rest to benefit by this man’s example. “But the word of God,” it says, “grew and multiplied” after this had happened. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 27.