Yesterday I wrote about the misguided zeal of those who rioted in the Capitol on January 6 and who threatened a pastor who apologized for an erroneous prophecy. Let’s be more positive. I read in Acts 12 how it’s supposed to work. Let’s start with the end!

But the word of God increased and multiplied. (Acts 12.24, ESV)

Isn’t that the goal? The Word of God increasing and multiplying? And how did it happen? The chapter opens with Herod beheading James and imprisoning Peter.

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. (Acts 12.1 – 4, ESV)

What was the church’s response? Rioting? Why not? There were thousands of them. NO! Prayer.

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. (Acts 12.5, ESV)

They prayed for Peter, and he was released by the act of an angel (see Acts 12.6 – 11). Herod had his guards executed – killed, not by rioting Christians, but by Herod himself.

Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. (Acts 12.18, 19, ESV)

Then Herod dies. He is NOT killed by rioting Christians, but by worms (see Acts 12.20 – 23)!

Which brings us to where we started: Herod, the ruler, the persecutor and murderer, is dead, but God’s Kingdom expands.

But the word of God increased and multiplied. (Acts 12.24, ESV)

Again, as we wrote yesterday, God’s instructions are clear:

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2.13 – 17, ESV)