Herod

Herod Agrippa I was a king who persecuted the early church, killing James and imprisoning Peter.

Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the Great and ruled as king over Judea, Samaria, and other regions from 41 to 44 AD. In the book of Acts, he is portrayed as a persecutor of the early Christian church. Herod Agrippa I had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword (Act 12:1-2). Seeing that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter as well, intending to bring him out for public trial after the Passover (Act 12:3-4). However, an angel miraculously freed Peter from prison (Act 12:6-11). When Herod Agrippa I discovered Peter's escape, he had the guards executed (Act 12:19). Later, Herod Agrippa I was involved in a dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon (Act 12:20). On the appointed day, he delivered a public address to them, and the people shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man!" (Act 12:21-22). Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give glory to God, and he was eaten by worms and died (Act 12:23). (Act 12:1-23).