The Folly of King Herod Agrippa
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- čas přidán 31. 12. 2019
- Last week’s teaching ended with the announcement of the coming of a famine that would affect the entire Roman world. This would fall during the first years of the emperor Claudius. It, also, coincided with the time that Agrippa ruled as king of Israel from 41 to 44 CE. Our reading this week opens with the execution of the Apostle James and ends with the death of King Herod Agrippa the first.
Up until now, any executions of Jewish believers in Messiah Yeshua were carried out by the High Priest and his delegates. Saul’s authority to persecute believers came directly from the high priest. It was strictly a Jewish religious matter. What was King Herod Agrippa’s motivation in having the apostle James executed? What was the connection to the famine that affected the entire Roman world during his short reign?
Study Questions:
1. Both Gaius Caesar and Herod Agrippa have similarities to the coming Antichrist. In fact, many of the believers were ready to flee Jerusalem when Gaius Caesar began his persecution against the Jews. What are these similarities to the Antichrist?
2. How is the famine in the Roman world at this time a fulfilment of Amos’ prophecy in Amos 8:11?
3. The timing of the events surrounding James’ arrest and subsequent execution followed by Peter’s arrest and miraculous escape have obvious connections with the first Passover in Egypt. What is the significance of this timing and these connections?
4. James and Peter were both arrested by Agrippa yet James was executed and Peter was miraculously released. What could be the reason for the disparate outcomes for James and Peter?
5. Although the believers were praying constantly for Peter’s release, when it happened they didn’t believe Roda’s report of Peter’s presence at the door. Does that mean those gathered to pray didn’t have faith that their prayers would be heard and answered?
6. What new insight did you gain from this teaching? How do you respond to this new insight? How will you realign your life based on this new understanding?