Acts 12:22

"On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them."

Key Reflection

On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on his throne, and addressed the crowd—a spectacle that would have reminded the original audience of the grandeur and authority of a king. This scene vividly portrayed Herod's pretense of power and control, a contrast to the genuine authority of Jesus as revealed in later biblical narratives.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 22. And the people gave a shout. A loud applause. It is the voice of a god, etc. It is not probable that the Jews joined in this acclamation, but that it was made by the idolatrous Gentiles. Josephus gives a similar account of their feelings and conduct. He says, "And presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and another from another, (though not for his good,) that he was a god; and they added, 'Be thou merciful unto us, for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a king, yet shall we henceforth own thee as a superior to mortal nature.'" It is true that Josephus

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