Herod

Herod Agrippa I was a grandson of Herod the Great who ruled as king over Judea in the early 40s CE with the favor of the Roman emperor Claudius. He initiated a violent persecution of the Jerusalem church, executing the apostle James son of Zebedee and imprisoning Peter (Acts 12:1–4). According to Acts 12:20–23, Herod died suddenly after accepting divine honors, being struck down by an angel. His reign represents a critical moment of trial for the early church, whose growth continued despite royal opposition. He was the father of Herod Agrippa II, before whom Paul later appeared.