Acts 12:1 - Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Acts 12:1" mean?
Acts 12:1, "Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly," is a pivotal statement describing the beginning of a period of persecution of the early Christian church led by King Herod Agrippa I. Let's break down its meaning:
"Now about that time...": This phrase indicates a transition to a new event in the narrative of the book of Acts. It signifies that a certain amount of time has passed since the events described in the previous chapter (Acts 11), which dealt with the church in Antioch and the prophecy of a famine.
"King Herod...": This refers to Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great (who ruled at the time of Jesus' birth). Herod Agrippa I ruled Judea from 41 to 44 AD. He was known for his efforts to appease the Jewish population and gain their favor.
"...stretched out his hands...": This is a figurative expression meaning he actively took action, initiated, or began to do something. In this context, it means he started using his power to act against the church.
"...to oppress some of the assembly...": "The assembly" here is a common term for the early Christian church. "Oppress" means to persecute, mistreat, or cause suffering to. "Some" indicates that not all Christians were targeted, but specific individuals or groups within the church were singled out.
In essence, the verse means that King Herod Agrippa I, for his own political reasons, initiated a campaign of persecution against some members of the early Christian church.
Context and Significance:
Political Motivation: Herod Agrippa I sought to maintain favor with the Jewish leaders. Persecuting Christians, who were viewed by some as a disruptive sect within Judaism, was likely a way to demonstrate his loyalty to Jewish traditions and law.
Beginning of Persecution: This verse marks the beginning of a specific wave of persecution under Herod Agrippa I. The immediate consequences are described in the following verses: James (the brother of John) was executed, and Peter was arrested.
Turning Point: The events in Acts 12 show a growing tension between the early church and the established political and religious powers. This persecution foreshadows the greater challenges the church would face as it spread throughout the Roman Empire.
In summary, Acts 12:1 describes a deliberate and politically motivated act of persecution by King Herod Agrippa I against the early Christian church. It highlights the vulnerability of the church and the growing opposition it faced from both Jewish and Roman authorities.
Acts 12:1 - Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.
What does "Acts 12:1" mean?
Acts 12:1, "Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly," is a pivotal statement describing the beginning of a period of persecution of the early Christian church led by King Herod Agrippa I. Let's break down its meaning:
"Now about that time...": This phrase indicates a transition to a new event in the narrative of the book of Acts. It signifies that a certain amount of time has passed since the events described in the previous chapter (Acts 11), which dealt with the church in Antioch and the prophecy of a famine.
"King Herod...": This refers to Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great (who ruled at the time of Jesus' birth). Herod Agrippa I ruled Judea from 41 to 44 AD. He was known for his efforts to appease the Jewish population and gain their favor.
"...stretched out his hands...": This is a figurative expression meaning he actively took action, initiated, or began to do something. In this context, it means he started using his power to act against the church.
"...to oppress some of the assembly...": "The assembly" here is a common term for the early Christian church. "Oppress" means to persecute, mistreat, or cause suffering to. "Some" indicates that not all Christians were targeted, but specific individuals or groups within the church were singled out.
In essence, the verse means that King Herod Agrippa I, for his own political reasons, initiated a campaign of persecution against some members of the early Christian church.
Context and Significance:
Political Motivation: Herod Agrippa I sought to maintain favor with the Jewish leaders. Persecuting Christians, who were viewed by some as a disruptive sect within Judaism, was likely a way to demonstrate his loyalty to Jewish traditions and law.
Beginning of Persecution: This verse marks the beginning of a specific wave of persecution under Herod Agrippa I. The immediate consequences are described in the following verses: James (the brother of John) was executed, and Peter was arrested.
Turning Point: The events in Acts 12 show a growing tension between the early church and the established political and religious powers. This persecution foreshadows the greater challenges the church would face as it spread throughout the Roman Empire.
In summary, Acts 12:1 describes a deliberate and politically motivated act of persecution by King Herod Agrippa I against the early Christian church. It highlights the vulnerability of the church and the growing opposition it faced from both Jewish and Roman authorities.