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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
The same angel who had left the royal courts of Heaven to rescue
Peter from the power of his persecutor, had been the messenger of
wrath and judgment to Herod. The angel smote Peter to arouse him
from slumber; but it was with a different stroke that he smote the
wicked king, bringing mortal disease upon him. God poured contempt
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upon Herod’s pride, and his person, which he had exhibited decked in
shining apparel before the admiring gaze of the people, was eaten by
worms, and refied while yet alive. Herod died in great agony of mind
and body, under the retributive justice of God.
This demonstration of divine judgment had a mighty influence
upon the people. While the apostle of Christ had been miraculously
delivered from prison and death, his persecutor had been stricken down
by the curse of God. The news was borne to all lands, and was the
means of bringing many to believe on Christ.
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