Topical Bible: Persecution: Spirit of Herod

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Spirit of Herod" refers to the oppressive and hostile attitude towards the early Christian movement, as exemplified by Herod the Great and his descendants. This spirit is characterized by a desire to suppress, control, and eliminate the influence of Jesus Christ and His followers. The Herodian dynasty, known for its political cunning and ruthless ambition, played a significant role in the persecution of early Christians, as recorded in the New Testament.

Herod the Great

Herod the Great, ruling from 37 to 4 BC, is infamous for his role in the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem. In an attempt to eliminate the newborn "King of the Jews," Herod ordered the killing of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16). This act of brutality was driven by fear and jealousy, as Herod perceived the birth of Jesus as a direct threat to his throne. The spirit of Herod, therefore, is marked by a violent opposition to the divine plan and a willingness to commit heinous acts to maintain power.

Herod Antipas

Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, continued this legacy of persecution. He is most notably remembered for his role in the execution of John the Baptist. John had openly criticized Herod Antipas for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. In response, Herodias harbored a grudge against John and eventually manipulated Herod into beheading him (Mark 6:17-28). This incident highlights the spirit of Herod as one that silences prophetic voices and opposes righteousness.

Herod Agrippa I

Herod Agrippa I, a grandson of Herod the Great, further exemplified this spirit of persecution. In Acts 12, he is recorded as having arrested and executed James, the brother of John, and imprisoned Peter with the intent of putting him to death as well (Acts 12:1-4). Agrippa's actions were motivated by a desire to curry favor with the Jewish leaders, demonstrating how the spirit of Herod seeks to gain political advantage through the oppression of God's people.

Herod Agrippa II

Herod Agrippa II, the son of Agrippa I, encountered the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment. While Agrippa II did not directly persecute Paul, his indifference and political maneuvering reflect the Herodian spirit's subtle opposition to the Gospel. In Acts 26, Paul boldly testified before Agrippa, who famously remarked, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to become a Christian?" (Acts 26:28). Agrippa's response illustrates a dismissive attitude towards the transformative power of the Gospel.

The Spirit of Herod in Contemporary Context

The spirit of Herod continues to manifest in various forms of persecution against Christians throughout history and into the present day. It is characterized by attempts to suppress the truth of the Gospel, silence Christian witness, and maintain secular or political power at the expense of spiritual truth. This spirit opposes the advancement of God's kingdom and often results in suffering for those who stand firm in their faith.

In summary, the spirit of Herod represents a persistent opposition to Christ and His followers, driven by fear, jealousy, and a desire for control. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle faced by believers and the call to remain steadfast in the face of persecution.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 12:1
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
... of Matthias and the coming of the Holy Spirit. ... Here we have the first persecution
and the occasion for ... 5. The witnesses triumph over Herod's persecution, ch.12 ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xix from the ascension.htm

Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee.
... account of the sin of Herod and persecution of John ... the efficacy of which lies rather
in the spirit of the ... not go into Galilee through fear of Herod, for Herod ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxvi jesus sets out from.htm

A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
... with the power of the Holy Spirit they will ... would have us understand that suffering
persecution for His ... Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 7 a manifestation of.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Him off in flight into Egypt that Herod, His persecutor ... in the land of Babylon; and
the spirit that delivered ... there came great affliction and persecution to the ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... find the murder of the innocents by Herod, was but ... his righteousness is sufficient
for them; his Spirit is able ... as much as in them lies, to suffer persecution! ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Herod and Peter.
... Chapter now read records a second persecution to which ... Yet, they displayed a spirit
of heroism, which was ... sentiments were openly expressed; and Herod, eager to ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiv herod and peter.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... from the den of lions; Peter from Herod's prison, where ... so sustain us by the energy
of His Spirit that our ... In persecution there are two things grievous to the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
... was later to be inhabited by the spirit of the ... they failed to return, they seemed
to Herod to have ... suddenly], and slew [Thus early did persecution attend those ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiv flight into egypt and.htm

From Gallienus to the End of the Last Persecution (Ad 261-313)
... It was in the East that the persecution was hottest ... disease, something like that
of which Herod, who had ... their persecutors they showed the true spirit of the ...
/.../chapter ix from gallienus to.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... preaching the word." So, too, when Herod stretched forth ... further, the dark days of
fiendish persecution have witnessed ... the ripest fruits of the Spirit been put ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm