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24. But the word of God grew and multiplied.Acts 12:24; KJV. Herod began his persecution of the church by killing James, the brother of John. And because it pleased the Jews, he had Peter arrested, planning to murder him after Easter. But while Peter slept, an angel of the Lord came, and a light shone in the prison, and the angel said, "Follow me." And Peter thought he was dreaming, and when he was past the guards, the iron gate opened on its own. And Peter said, "Now I know the Lord has sent his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod." So when Herod sought Peter, he examined the guards, then had them executed. And on a certain day, Herod sat on his throne, in his royal apparel, and made a speech to the people of Tyre and Sidon. And the people shouted, saying, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man." Then immediately the angel of the Lord slew him because he did not give God Almighty the glory due Him. The lessons learned: God is in control, in suffering or rescue. No prison can stop God's purpose. Herod's refusal to give God the glory led to his downfall. The Gospel outlives every enemy. Herod died, yet the word of God grew and multiplied. God's truth is forever. Amen.