The references in Acts 12 to King Herod are to Herod Agrippa I (37-44 A.D.). This coin was issued in year 6 ("L S" on the coin) of his reign, or 42-43 A.D. The next year he started persecuting the Church, beheaded James (the brother of John, sons of Zebedee), and arrested Peter (later freed by an angel). He let his popularity with the Jews swell his pride. When the people acclaimed him as a god, Herod did not deny it. For not diverting the praise to God, "an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died."
[SGI 5567=H 553]

Back, Next
or general topics:
Home, B.C., Birth of Jesus, Bible coins, Other Gospel topics, Book of Acts, Nero, Jewish Revolt, Revelation, Official Christianity, Byzantine, Contrast, Details