The Herods

The Herods

Q: How was James killed?

• a. by being beheaded
• b. by fire
• c. by a sword

Some families are known through the years for the good they do. Other families are known for the evil passed down from generation to generation. The Bible mentions four generations of the Herod family—and they were all wicked.

You might remember Herod the Great (see the August 25 devotion). He was sure the newborn king of the Jews would replace him, so he wanted to kill baby Jesus. He killed all the baby boys in and around Bethlehem in order to accomplish that, but because God had told Joseph to flee with Mary and Jesus, Herod did not succeed.

Herod Antipas married his brother’s wife, Herodias. After his daughter danced for him at a party, he told her she could have whatever she wanted. Herodias told their daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist, and Herod Antipas granted that request (see Matthew 14:1-12).

Herod Agrippa I wanted to be liked by the Jews. He knew many of them didn’t like the early Christians, especially now that the early church was growing. So he began persecuting the believers to gain favor with the Jews. Herod Agrippa I had the apostle James killed.

In the fourth generation of Herods, Herod Agrippa II played a part in the apostle Paul’s story. You’ll learn more about Herod Agrippa II in coming devotions.

The Herod family was bad news for many people who loved God. There are wicked families today, but there are also families with generations of preachers and missionaries. Even though there are godly families, each person must decide whether or not to follow Jesus.

For You

Determine that you will follow Jesus even if you have to stand alone. Leave a legacy of faith for future generations.

Answer: c

[King Herod Agrippa] had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword.   Acts 12:2

(The Whole Story: Acts 12:1-4)