What Can We Learn from Herod Agrippa? (Acts 12)

The life and death of Herod Agrippa I, as recorded in Acts 12 and echoed by the historian Josephus, stand as a powerful warning against pride, self-glorification, and the illusion of self-sufficiency. His story is more than a historical account. It is a reminder for every generation of the dangers of forgetting our dependence on God and the consequences of seeking glory for ourselves.

Herod Agrippa’s Background and Rise to Power

Herod Agrippa I was the grandson of Herod the Great and the son of Aristobulus and Bernice. He inherited not only the throne but also the prideful legacy of the Herods who had gone before him. As king, he ruled over a territory as extensive as that of his grandfather, wielding significant authority. His reign was marked by political maneuvering and a relentless pursuit of power, which led him to execute James, the brother of John, and to imprison Peter with the intention of executing him. However, Peter was miraculously freed by an angel (Acts 12:1-11), a clear demonstration that Herod’s power was limited.

The Fatal Flaw: Pride and Self-Exaltation

The defining moment of Herod Agrippa’s life came during a public appearance in Caesarea, where he was to address the people of Tyre and Sidon—communities dependent on Judea for food. On an appointed day, Herod appeared in royal apparel to speak to the people who were ager to gain his favor,

Acts 12:21-22  So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them.  And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!”

Instead of rejecting this blasphemous praise, Herod accepted it. He neither rebuked the people nor expressed any displeasure at their idolatrous flattery. In that moment, Herod allowed himself to be exalted as divine, embracing the delusion that he was more than a man.

Scripture repeatedly warns against such pride and self-exaltation:

Proverbs 16:18  Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall

Luke 14:11  For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Divine Judgment and a Tragic End

Herod’s pride was immediately met with divine judgment. 

Acts 12:23  Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. 

Josephus provides further detail, describing how Herod, after seeing an ill omen in the form of an owl, was seized with violent pain in his bowels and had to be carried away, dying after five days of agony at the age of 54^[1]. 

Now when Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he came to the city Caesarea…There he exhibited shows in honor of the emperor…On the second day of the festival, Herod put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a truly wonderful contexture, and came into the theater early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment was illuminated by the fresh reflection of the sun’s rays upon it. It shone out after a surprising manner, and was so resplendent as to spread a horror over those that looked intently upon him. At that moment, his flatterers cried out…that he was a god; and they added, ‘Be thou merciful to us; for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to mortal nature.’… I, whom you call a god, am commanded presently to depart this life; while Providence thus reproves the lying words you just now said to me; and I, who was by you called immortal, am immediately to be hurried away by death. But I am bound to accept of what Providence allots, as it pleases God; for we have by no means lived ill, but in a splendid and happy manner.   —Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book 19, Chapter 8, Section 2 (Antiquities 19.343–361).

This was not the first time such a fate befell a member of his family—his grandfather, Herod the Great, reportedly died of a similar disease.  

Struck down by an angel of the Lord, Herod’s death was a public demonstration of the ultimate folly of pride and self-deification as shown by his refusal to acknowledge God as the source of his power.

Timeless Lessons from Herod Agrippa

Herod Agrippa’s story is rich with lessons that remain relevant today:

The Danger of Self-Made Pride

The mentality that one is a “self-made” person, responsible for all one’s achievements, is as dangerous now as it was in Herod’s time. Many today echo Herod’s error, believing they can live, succeed, and thrive without acknowledging God. This attitude blinds people to the reality that every good thing in life is a gift from God  (James 1:17).

The Necessity of Giving Glory to God

Herod’s failure was not just in accepting praise, but in failing to give God the glory. The text emphasizes that every talent, opportunity, and blessing comes from God, and it is right to give Him thanks daily. A simple, regular acknowledgment—“Glory be to You, O Lord!”—serves as a safeguard against pride.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Romans 11:36  For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

The Folly of Self-Sufficiency

Herod’s story demonstrates how distorted and twisted human thinking becomes when people depart from a sense of dependence on God. The belief that we can “do it all ourselves” is a dangerous illusion. The episode reminds us that our very life and breath are gifts from God, and to think otherwise is foolishness.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.

Micah 6:8  He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

A Warning to All Generations

Herod’s fate is a warning to all who glorify themselves and forget the source of their blessings. The story challenges us to examine our own hearts for pride and self-reliance, urging us to cultivate humility and gratitude.

Psalm 138:6  Though the LORD is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar.

Proverbs 3:34  Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.

James 4:6  “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

A Call to Humility and Dependence

The story of Herod Agrippa is not merely about the death of a king. It is about the universal human temptation to seek glory for ourselves and to forget our dependence on God. It is a call to humility, to recognize that all we have, and all we are, comes from God (James 1:17), and to give Him the glory in all things.

Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.’

1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

So, how do we become more humble and more dependent on God?

• Take credit, but don’t seek glory. Give the glory to God. (1 Timothy 1:17)
• Serve others. Do as Jesus did and remember that He said, ‘By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another’ (John 13:35). 
• Have the courage to look in the mirror. Who are you reflecting on? Your spirit of man or Jesus? (2 Corinthians 3:18)
• First, take the log out of your eye.  Judge yourself before you judge others; Get right with God first. Only then can you help others. (Matthew 7:3-5)
• Get the vertical right. Focus on Jesus and let His Spirit work in and through you. (Psalm 141:8, Philippians 2:14, Hebrews 12:2)

 Pride leads to downfall, but humility and gratitude lead to life and wisdom.  Let Herod Agrippa’s tragic example remind us daily to reject the illusion of self-sufficiency, to give God the glory for every blessing, and to live in humble dependence on Him.

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