Reading: Acts 11:27-30; 12:20-25
After the second service on Sunday,
I had one of those, “I could have had a V-8” moments. By
referencing back the completion of Barnabas and Saul's mission in
12:25, it becomes clear that 11:19–12:25 belong together as a unit.
However, something that wasn't as clear to me then, now seems as
plain as the nose on my face: It ties together two stories about
hungry people needing to be fed that result in two very different
outcomes under two very different kings.
27Now
in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28And
one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that
there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in
the days of Claudius). 29So
the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send
relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30And
they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and
Saul.
(Acts 11:27-30 ESV)
The
believers living in Judea were about to enter into a famine. The
prophecy was given in late 43 to early 44 A.D. and is fulfilled in a
4 year famine from 44-48 A.D. The newly formed community of believers
in Antioch determined to respond under Christ's Lordship to the need
and sent help to the believers in Judea.
Then,
in 12:20-24, we have an interesting little parallel story involving
hunger and the need to be fed.
20Now
Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to
him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's
chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on
the king's country for food. 21On
an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the
throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22And
the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a
man!" 23Immediately
an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the
glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. 24But
the word of God increased and multiplied.
(Acts 12:20-24 ESV)
The
people of Phoenicia (Tyre and Sidon) were dependent on Herod's
benevolence for food. Given his displeasure with them, they were
coming to resolve this issue. In other words, they were hungry and
suddenly had a liking for Herod. Everyone loves the political leader
responsible for giving them their food—at least to their face.
This
desire to eat leads to their idolatrous worship of Herod. We
heard Sunday some of the amazing details from Josephus' description
of this same event. But there is a contrast I had missed that
speaks volumes about the difference in care under Christ's unseen
reign and Herod the powerful earthly king's reign. That difference is
highlighted by the closing comment of Acts 12.
25And
Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed
their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.
(Acts 12:25 ESV)
Herod
didn't complete his service. The only feeding he accomplished that
day was to feed the worms; the people under his care received
nothing. Barnabas and Saul completed their ministry and, in doing so,
the people under Christ's care are fed through the obedience of His
people.
This
brief little story reveals the importance for all believers to take
Christ's teaching regarding our responsibility one to another
seriously. In the body of Christ, how we live out our lives in
obedience to Christ becomes an extension of His care for His people.
This then reflects on the Christ's reputation before the world–His
glory. May He be glorified through us.
Love the Gospel, Live the Gospel,
Advance the Gospel,
Jerry
