Acts 12:1

Modern

About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church.

Traditional

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

Literal

Now at that time, Herod the king put forth the hands to mistreat some of those of the church.

Latin

Eodem autem tempore misit Herodes rex manus, ut affligeret quosdam de ecclesia.

Greek

English

About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church.

Jesus had prophesied that his followers would experience persecution and difficulty (Luke 11:49–51). For the first time since his death, Roman authorities acted violently against the church. James, the brother of John, was among the first disciples Jesus called (Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11). He was one of the first Christians killed because of his faith.
King Herod Agrippa took action to intentionally harm the church (Acts 12:20–23). It is possible that doing this was meant to strengthen his political alignment with the Jewish people. The letter of James, the brother of Jesus, was probably written after this persecution effort to the Christians who were scattered (see 8:1–4; James Book Introduction, “Date of Writing”).

Theme notes and profiles

Matthew 24:9
Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
John 15:20
Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.
Matthew 10:17–18
But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues.
Luke 22:53
Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on Me. But this hour belongs to you and to the power of darkness.”
John 16:2
They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.
Acts 4:30
…as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

Herod: A Tetrarch who persecuted the early church