The Spread of the Gospel

Acts 12:20-25

“20 Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came to him in a body; and after winning over Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for a reconciliation, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. 21 On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat on the platform, and delivered a public address to them. 22 The people kept shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a mortal!” 23 And immediately, because he had not given the glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents. 25 Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem and brought with them John, whose other name was Mark.”

King Herod, who allowed himself to be thought of as a god, who may have thought of himself as a god, died.  Meanwhile, the word and the work of the one true God continued to live and grow and flourish.

The crucifixion of Christ, the stoning of Stephen, the death of James and all of the other Twelve with the exception of John, did not stop the will of God or the spread of the gospel throughout the world.

The Apostle Paul wrote,  “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

God’s will…. will be done.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)

Memorial United Methodist Church

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