Acts 12:21

"Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him and, having made Blastus, the king’s personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food."

Key Reflection

This passage reveals Herod's arrogance and power, as he is angered by the people of Tyre and Sidon despite their attempts to secure peace through a personal connection with Blastus, the king’s aide. Their plea for peace underscores the economic dependence of their region on Herod’s kingdom, highlighting the political leverage such dependencies can provide in ancient governance.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. And upon a set day. An appointed, public day. This was the second day of the sports and games which Herod celebrated in Caesarea in honour of Claudius Caesar. Josephus has given an account of this occurrence, which coincides remarkably with the narrative here. The account is contained in his Antiquities of the Jews, b. xix. chap. viii. § 2, and is as follows: "Now when Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he came to the city Caesarea, which was formerly called Strato's Tower; and there he exhibited shows in honour of Caesar, upon his being informed that there was a certain festival celebrated to make vows for his safety.

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