20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark. (ESV)

‘What a contrast between Peter’s deliverance and Herod’s death! Be not afraid of the reproach of men, for “the moth shall eat them up like a garment,” Isaiah 51:8 .’ F.B. Meyer

There is warning here for any who are used by God, or who desire to be: we must not take the glory to ourselves.

A chapter which opens depicting a seemingly mighty Herod, closes with a picture of his utter weakness. God, and no human king, is in power. Herod goes; God’s Word grows!

PRAYER: Lord, in all my service for you, may I never fail to give to you all the glory