Acts 12: Herod and Peter

I am starting this blogspot for a New Testament class that I have. I will be discussing different topics in the New Testament.

This week the topic is Acts 12- Compare and contrast the two main characters; Herod the king, and Peter the Prophet.

First off here is a summary of this chapter: Herod has killed James, and wants to kill Peter. He puts Peter in prison and plans to kill him after Easter. Peter escapes with the help of an angel. Herod dies, and the church grows.

What motivated each of them?

Herod was motivated by having power, contention and pleasing the Jews. In verse 3 it says, "And because he say it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also...".
Peter was motivated by pleasing the Lord, and by the want of freedom and safety.

How did they deal with others?

Herod did not deal well with others. If he did not get his way he would kill the people who stood in his path. One example of this is when he realized that Peter was gone. In verse 19 it says, ".. he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death..." He wanted others to think of him as their god, therefore he treated others as if they were worthless.
Peter was very kind and patient with others. He was obedient and trusting with the angel and followed him. One part that I think really shows his patience was when he was knocking at the door. They were not opening the door because they did not believe that it was him. But he kept persisting and was not angry with them.

How did God deal with them?

God dealt with them in totally different ways. Eventually God had Herod killed. In verses 21-23 it says, "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."
Peter was dealt with very differently. Because of his righteousness and faith and angel of the Lord came and helped him escape bondage.