Chapter 12
12:1,2
We now return to Jerusalem. This Herod was Herod Agrippa. Herod seems to have been quite a common name for tyrants. He arrested some Christians and was going to persecute them. This was a serious business, for he had James the brother of John killed by the sword. This was actually thought to be a relatively merciful way of killing people as it was at least quick.
12:3,4
“The Jews” here is probably referring primarily to Jewish religious leaders, as it usually does in John’s gospel. His killing of James met with their approval. So Herod proceeded to arrest Peter. Keeping peace in his province was the sure mark of a good governor in the eyes of Rome. Conversely, having riots and rebellions was the worst thing that could happen. So Herod was taking actions that he thought would enhance his governorship. The festival of unleavened bread was the seven days following the Passover. It would be against religious sensibilities to have anyone executed during the feast, so Herod intended to wait till after the Passover before putting Peter on trial. No doubt this would have been a show-trial. Note here that Passover refers to the entire time of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
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