Pride Goes Before A Fall

RISE ABOVE ATTACKING OTHERS (Ac. 12:1-2)

Herod Agrippa I came from a long line of self-centered, egotistical, bloodthirsty, paranoid royals (Mt. 2:16; 14:3-11).

The term translated harass means to inflict harm. Here it means violent harm but elsewhere it has reference to oppression (Ac. 7:6), mistreatment (Ac. 15:19), and saying things about others to cause people to think bad about them (Ac. 14:2; cp. diablos — 1 Tim. 3:11; 2 Tim. 3:3; Tit. 2:3).

We must rise above attacking others. The world advocates getting even, looking out for oneself, and protecting one’s personal rights; Jesus advocates loving people who do not like you and speaking well of others even when they speak evil of us (Mt. 5:43-48).

RISE ABOVE PLEASING OTHERS (Ac. 12:3-4)

When Herod saw his actions against the church pleased the Jews, he attempted to use it to his advantage (12:3). He likely thought, “If killing James pleased the people, just imagine what will happen when I execute Peter.”

Instead of considering whether his actions were right or wrong, Herod took advantage of the large crowds in Jerusalem and planned to impress the Jews by executing the most prominent church leader after the Passover was completed (12:4, 19).

We must rise above pleasing others. While we pursue peace (Rom. 14:19) and look out for the interests of others (Phil. 2:3-4), our primary purpose in life is to seek God’s approval (Gal. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:4). Gaining the approval of others distracts us from pleasing God.

RISE ABOVE TAKING CREDIT (Ac. 12:20-23)

The last mention of Herod Agrippa I is in reference to a quarrel he had with the people of Tyre and Sidon that presumably had something to do with food supplied to the cities (12:20).

The ancient historian Josephus said Herod appeared wearing an unusual robe made entirely of silver (Ant. 19.8.2 §§343–50). When the sun shone on the robe it made him gleam. Being proclaimed as a god was precisely the effect Herod intended (12:21-22). Herod did not rebuke the people nor did he reflect glory to God (12:23).

We must rise above thinking our actions or abilities brought forth positive results. Without God, we can do nothing. We need God. We need His forgiveness. We give Him the glory for any and every success we have in life (Deut. 8).