Acts 12:1
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
Original Language Analysis
Κατ'
about
G2596
Κατ'
about
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἐκεῖνον
that
G1565
ἐκεῖνον
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
2 of 17
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπέβαλεν
stretched forth
G1911
ἐπέβαλεν
stretched forth
Strong's:
G1911
Word #:
6 of 17
to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); specially (with g1438 implied) to reflect; impersonal
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλεὺς
the king
G935
βασιλεὺς
the king
Strong's:
G935
Word #:
9 of 17
a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρας
his hands
G5495
χεῖρας
his hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
11 of 17
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
15 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Matthew 24:9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.John 15:20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your's also.Luke 22:53When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.John 16:2They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
Historical Context
Herod Agrippa I (grandson of Herod the Great) ruled Judea AD 41-44. He cultivated Jewish favor by observing traditions and persecuting Christians. This persecution occurred circa AD 42-43, intensifying opposition beyond earlier Sanhedrin actions.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does political power sometimes align with religious opposition to Christianity?
- How should believers respond to governmental persecution?
- What purposes does God accomplish through allowing persecution of His church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Herod 'stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.' The verb 'vex' (Greek kakoo, to harm or afflict) shows deliberate hostility. This Herod (Agrippa I) persecuted Christians to gain favor with Jewish leaders. Satan continues attacking the church through political authorities hostile to the gospel. Reformed theology recognizes that persecution is normative for the church (2 Timothy 3:12) - the world hates Christ and His people. Yet God's sovereign purposes prevail despite human opposition, using persecution to refine and strengthen His church.