MPV Commentary

Herod's Miserable End--Growing Success of the Gospel--Barnabas and Saul Return to Antioch.

20 Herod was displeased with the people from Tyre and Sidon for some unknown reason. This led to a deterioration in their commercial relationships, causing the latter group to seek reconciliation with the king.

Their region relied heavily on trade with the king's country (1 Kings 5:11; Ezra 3:7; Ezekiel 27:17). Perhaps the famine mentioned earlier (Acts 11:28) made them more eager for a peaceful resolution.

21 On a designated day, Herod delivered an address to the people from Tyre and Sidon.

22-23 The crowd erupted in cheers, but their celebration was short-lived. According to Josephus' account, Herod's death was remarkably similar to this event (Antiquities 19.8.2). Such instances of sudden demise are not uncommon in history. This wretched man was closer to his end than he had anticipated, despite his plans to make a public spectacle of someone else.

24 However, the word of God continued to spread and gain momentum. Not only did Herod's intended victim escape persecution, but the very cause that Herod and his Jewish allies sought to suppress was now flourishing. This development brought encouragement and consolation to the Christian Church across all ages.

25 After completing their ministry in Jerusalem (Acts 11:29-30), Barnabas and Saul returned from there. They were accompanied by John Mark, who was not to be confused with the second Evangelist (see Acts 12:12). As Mark's uncle was Barnabas, so his spiritual father was Peter (1 Peter 5:13).