Word + Walk: Shining King, Rotten Soul
Text: Acts 12:20–25
Big Idea: No matter how polished pride appears, God’s Word outlasts every throne. His kingdom multiplies even when human hearts decay.
I. Unpacking Herod Agrippa 1 (Acts 12:20)
Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, was born into privilege but lived most of his early life in debt and political manipulation. His grandmother was from the tribe of Levi, and his family had Idumean roots that tied back to Esau. Though he publicly practiced Judaism, he was inwardly more Roman than Jewish. He lived for appearances and influence rather than covenant faithfulness.
The people of Tyre and Sidon depended on his kingdom for food, but he held a grudge against them. Through Blastus, his chamberlain, they begged for peace. Herod’s pride fed on their need. He was shining on the outside, but rotten within. A man who once knew struggle now used power to oppress others.
Reflection: Where have I allowed pride to make me forget where God brought me from?
II. What Glitters Isn’t God (Acts 12:21–23)
On the day of a festival, Herod put on his royal robe and sat on his throne to deliver a speech. The historian Josephus records that his garment was woven with silver and shimmered in the sunlight. The crowd, desperate for food and favor, shouted, “The voice of a god, not of a man!” Herod received the praise. He soaked in glory that belonged only to God.
Desperation distorted their view. Their hunger made them worship what glittered instead of the God who gives bread. Herod’s pride was their mirror, reflecting how easily people can trade truth for shine.
Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not give glory to God. He was eaten by worms and died. The man who starved others died eaten from within. What he refused to feed others became what consumed him.
Reflection: Am I more concerned with looking spiritual or being surrendered to God?
III. The Word Multiplies (Acts 12:24–25)
While Herod’s body decayed, the Word of God increased and multiplied. The story shifts from a dying king to a living mission. Barnabas and Saul completed their service and returned from Jerusalem, bringing with them John, also called Mark. Luke’s mention of Mark sets up the next chapter of God’s unfolding story.
Herod’s name faded, but the Word kept moving. The glory that Herod stole, the Word displayed. The power he claimed, the gospel fulfilled. The church kept growing because the Word—not a ruler, not a government, not a human ego—was the unstoppable force behind it.
Reflection: What part of my life is God asking me to surrender so that His Word, not my image, can multiply?
🙏 Walk It Out: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1 – Hidden Rust
Acts 12:20; 1 Samuel 16:7
God sees beyond appearance. Herod’s shine could not hide his corruption.
Walk It Out: Where might pride be hiding under your spiritual polish?
Day 2 – Glory Belongs to God
Acts 12:21–23; Isaiah 42:8
Stealing God’s glory leads to destruction.
Walk It Out: How can you return praise to God instead of keeping it for yourself?
Day 3 – Desperation Distorts
Acts 12:22; Matthew 4:8–10
When we let need drive us instead of faith, we idolize what glitters.
Walk It Out: How can you trust God’s provision instead of chasing false light?
Day 4 – Rotten Roots
Acts 12:23; Proverbs 16:18
Pride rots from the inside out.
Walk It Out: What habit or attitude must you confess before it eats away your soul?
Day 5 – The Word Still Grows
Acts 12:24–25; 2 Timothy 2:9
God’s Word is not bound by failure or pride. It continues to multiply.
Walk It Out: How can you join God’s unstoppable work in your community this week?
🗣️ Adult Bible Class and Family Discussion Questions (12)
Why was Herod angry with Tyre and Sidon?
→ How can resentment make us misuse power?
Acts 12:20; Ephesians 4:31What does Blastus’ position teach us about influence and access to power?
→ Who has spiritual access to your heart, and how are they guiding you?
Acts 12:20; Proverbs 27:17How did Herod’s mixed background affect his character and leadership?
→ Where might privilege or insecurity shape how we treat others?
Deuteronomy 8:11–14Why did the people call Herod a god?
→ How can desperation make us worship people instead of God?
Acts 12:22; Jeremiah 17:5Why was Herod’s acceptance of praise so dangerous?
→ What does it mean to give God the glory in your everyday life?
Isaiah 42:8; 1 Corinthians 10:31What can Herod’s death teach us about God’s justice?
→ How can we learn humility before pride destroys us?
Acts 12:23; Proverbs 16:18Why does Luke contrast Herod’s death with the growth of the Word?
→ What does that say about where true power lies?
Acts 12:24; Philippians 1:12What does “the Word of God increased and multiplied” look like today?
→ How can our church partner with God’s growth?
1 Corinthians 3:6–7Why does Luke introduce John Mark here?
→ How does God raise new leaders when others fall?
2 Timothy 2:2What modern examples reflect Herod’s “shine over substance”?
→ How can believers resist a culture obsessed with image?
Romans 12:2How should the church respond when spiritual leaders fall?
→ What practices protect humility and accountability?
Galatians 6:1–2How does this passage give hope to the persecuted church?
→ How can we trust that God’s purpose continues even in loss?
Psalm 46:10; Matthew 16:18
🧾 Quick Scripture Reference List
Acts 12:20–25 – Herod’s pride and death
1 Samuel 16:7 – God looks at the heart
Isaiah 42:8 – God shares His glory with no one
Proverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destruction
Deuteronomy 8:11–14 – Do not forget God in prosperity
Jeremiah 17:5 – Cursed is the one who trusts in man
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Do all to the glory of God
Philippians 1:12 – The gospel advances despite opposition
2 Timothy 2:2 – Entrust truth to faithful people
2 Timothy 2:9 – The Word of God is not bound
Romans 12:2 – Be transformed, not conformed
Galatians 6:1–2 – Restore with gentleness
Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God
Matthew 16:18 – The church will not be overcome