Bible Strands
Acts 12:1
About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author records a historical moment in the early church when a ruling monarch initiated active opposition against believers.
The words — ἐπέβαλεν (epebalen) literally means "put forth" or "reached out," describing Herod's deliberate initiation of violence, while καιρὸν (kairon) anchors the event to a specific, defined season.
The thread — This historical onset of royal hostility fulfills the pattern that believers will be delivered over and hated because of Jesus' name (Matthew 24:9; John 15:20; Matthew 10:17).
Why it lands — The text establishes that institutional persecution is a concrete reality for the church, requiring readers to recognize state opposition as the direct precursor to the martyrdom of James.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
Cross-references
- Matthew 24:9 Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
- John 15:20 Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.
- Matthew 10:17 But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues.
- Luke 22:53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on Me. But this hour belongs to you and to the power of darkness.”
- John 16:2 They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.
- Acts 4:30 as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
- Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.