# Acts Chapter 12
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## Summarrium
Herod has James the brother of John killed, and Peter arrested. Earnest prayer is made for him by the Church. He is visited in prison by an Angel who leads him out of the city. Peter then travels to Mary's house (mother of James who was known as Mark). Initially they suspect it to be Peters 'angel' at the gate but later discover it is Peter himself. Peter describes how the Lord has saved him and charges those present to tell James and the brother before leaving.

Herod meanwhile has the sentries charged with the care of Peter put to death and spends time in Caesarea. Herod delivers an oration in which the people were shouting '*the voice of a god, and not of a man!*'. Herod fails to address this and is struck down by an Angel of the Lord and he was eaten by worms. The word of God meanwhile increases and multiplies and Barnabas and Saul return from Jerusalem brining John (aka Mark).

## Meditatio
When viewed through the lens of power this chapter takes on some interesting dimensions. For example, Herod recognises the importance of public relations for maintaining power. Herod seeks approbation through the execution of James the brother of John. Recognising that this is going to win him favour with men he attempts this once more. This time imprisoning and planning to execute the Apostle Peter. 

Despite Herod's attempts to win further favour with the people, the Lord intervenes and delivers Peter materially from his enemies. Peter finds himself as though waking from a dream outside of the city, and others two are astounded that he has been delivered by the Lord. It is a stark contrast between how Herod and Peter respond to groups.

Here we also see how the power of Herod, which is contingent upon the people, is contrasted with the powerlessness of Peter who is imprisoned. Yet it will be Herod that perishes and Peter that lives. Herods kingdom will eventually crumble whilst the Gospel of the Kingdom will continue to spread all the way to Rome. 

The narrative contrasts the power of earthly rulers like Herod with the power of God. Despite Herod's authority and resources, he ultimately succumbs to illness and death, while God's power is demonstrated through Peter's liberation and the growth of the Church.

Herod's death is reported by Josephus in the first century which is not entirely consistent with, nor distinct from this account[^1]. Both mention worms, however Josephus account does not mention Herod being struck down by an angel of the Lord and dying. Indeed historical sources tend to indicate that Herod the Great had a very long and painful death from an unknown illness of the colon.

Peter in his powerlessness became powerfully effective for the gospel. He was effective for the lord *precisely* because he had nothing to bring. There was room for faith to operate. As far as Peter knew or understood he would be next. Yet the Lord acted to deliver him. The logical question to ask here is why didn't he do this for James the brother of John? Why does he act for some and not others? Job tells us we don't get to ask these questions. I'm curious if God leaves gems like this here that we might dare to.

[^1]: See the [Antiquities of the Jews XVII, Chapter 6:5](http://penelope.uchicago.edu/josephus/ant-17.html) for an especially vivid account if you have the stomach for it.