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The Good News About The Bad News: Acts 13:26-33

The Good News About The Bad News: Acts 13:26-33
““26) Brethren, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. 27) For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither Him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning Him. 28) And though they found no ground for putting Him to death, they asked Pilate that He be executed. 29) When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb. 30) But God raised Him from the dead; 31) and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. 32) And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33) that God has fulfilled this promise to our children in that He raised up Jesus, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are My Son; today I have begotten You.’” Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭26‬-‭33‬
After a brief survey of the Old Testament, Paul preaches the good news of the gospel to them. He proclaimed the fact of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. He walked through the details of what had recently occurred in Jerusalem. The tragic story had spread far and wide.
At first hearing, it sounds like bad news. The Jewish leaders missed all the testimony of the Old Testament prophets about the Messiah and instead of welcoming Him, they had Him executed. How could that be good news? They killed the Messiah! (Vs 28)
The answer comes in the fact that Jesus Christ was the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. (John 1:29-34) They did not execute the Messiah, they unknowingly fulfilled the mission of the Messiah. (Read Isaiah 53) Every prophecy, image, type, shadow and picture of the Messiah in the Old Testament was exactly fulfilled. Notice verse 29; “And when they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb.”
The good news starts with the next verse; “30) But God raised Him from the dead.” He is alive!” The gospel is not about death, it’s about life. The Gospel is about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His death paid for the sins of humanity. His resurrection conquered the grave and paved the way for forgiveness and eternal life.
Jesus began a new system of salvation. It was no longer based on self goodness by keeping the Law. That system did not work. It failed Israel and it failed humanity. Why? Because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The Law condemns every human to death and judgement. Jesus is the only one who was innocent according to the Law. He kept it without any violation. He had no sin.
That qualified Him to be our substitute payment. He was indeed the innocent lamb of God. The priests and religious leader didn’t recognize it, but the true Lamb they put to death on that Passover died on a cross and not on the altar in the temple. He was the Son of God.
The whole imagery of the Old Testament sacrificial system was fulfilled during that Passover. It included “God providing Himself as the lamb for the sacrifice” in place of Isaac. (Genesis 22) Salvation was now a free gift based on faith. The focus of the gospel was on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His giving the promise from the Father, being the Holy Spirit. (See Joel 2:28-29; Acts 1:3-5)
When fully understood and embraced, the gospel becomes “Good News!” That’s what Paul said in Acts 13:32; “And we preach to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers.” It was the promise of a new relationship with God and a new power for living.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

The Gospel From the Old Testament: Acts 13:16-25

The Gospel From the Old Testament: Acts 13:16-25
“16) Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: 17) The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it. 18) For a period of about forty years He put up with them in the wilderness. 19) When He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land as an inheritance—all of which took about four hundred and fifty years. 20) After these things He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21) Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22) After He had removed him, He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.’ 23) From the descendants of this man, according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, 24) after John had proclaimed before His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25) And while John was completing his course, he kept saying, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not He. But behold, one is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’” Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭16‬-‭25‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬
We now have a sample of Paul’s preaching. He walked through the whole Old Testament to paint a panoramic view of the Gospel ending at the feet of Jesus Christ. He showed that God consistently worked through the nation of Israel bringing them to the promise of the Messiah.
Admittedly, this was a very Jewish message, but remember, Paul was in a Jewish synagogue. He applied the gospel to the audience. Jesus became the focus and climax of his message. He wove the whole Old Testament together to make the case that Jesus Christ was indeed the promised Messiah. His message was not finished yet, but his argument was clearly presented and almost impossible to refute.
This text is most likely not your favorite passage in the Bible, but for his Jewish audience that day, it was like a lightening bolt of truth. The Holy Spirit used it to open their eyes to the gospel. All of the Bible stories they had head for years suddenly made sense. The Holy Spirit was opening their eyes.
Never underestimate the value of the Old Testament or the many Bible stories learned by a child that “gives them the wisdom that leads to salvation. (2 Timothy 3:15) When the Holy Spirit suddenly turns the lights on in a persons understanding, Jesus is calling their name and inviting them to follow Him. He is the one that draws people to salvation.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Sharing The Gospel from the Old Testament: Acts 13:14-15

Sharing The Gospel from the Old Testament: Acts 13:14-15
“14) But going on from 14-15, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. 15) After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying, “Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭
We now discover why attending the local synagogue on the Sabbath was such a good strategy. They automatically read from the Law and the Prophets during the service. Every synagogue had scrolls of every book in the Old Testament.
Because Paul was a former Pharisee, he was an expert in the Old Testament. He was well equipped to share the gospel using the Old Testament. It was a natural launch into the Gospel.
I believe the Old Testament is vital for every believer. It helps put a biblical foundation under our faith. Romans 8:1-5 explains how Jesus fulfilled the Law, so that we might be set free to walk in the Spirit.
Knowing the Old Testament puts the whole story together. It colors in the full progressive revelation of God to mankind. It paints the fall and human depravity in living color. It shows that God had a plan for human redemption from the beginning. It also reveals the holy character and nature of God and the basis for righteous judgement.
It puts the gospel into the historical context as it unfolded throughout human history. The early Christians were able to open the Old Testament and show the many prophecies that pointed to Jesus Christ.
I beg you to study the whole Bible. Paul told Timothy, “15) and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16) All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17) so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭17‬)
In this context, he was referring to the Old Testament because the New Testament was not yet complete or compiled. Embrace the whole Bible. Study the whole Bible. Master the full story of Gods revelation to mankind.
Both Jesus and Paul were masters of the Old Testament. Attending the synagogue on the Sabbath and reading from the Law and the Prophets set the stage for the gospel.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Inner Team Conflict: Acts 13:13

Inner Team Conflict: Acts 13:13
“Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John left them and returned to Jerusalem.” Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭13‬
We now have mention that John Mark left Barnabas and Paul and returned to Jerusalem. This created a long standing rift between Paul and John Mark. (See Acts 15:36-41) It was so toxic that it eventually split the team of Barnabas and Paul as they formed two separate teams.
Historically, many pastors and scholars have been hard on John Mark and questioned his commitment level. But there are some facts about him that are often ignored.
First, he was not sent out by the church at Antioch, he was sent out by the church at Jerusalem. He was not mentioned by name by the Holy Spirit in Acts 13:2, only Barnabas and Saul were signified by name.
Second, Acts 13:13 states very specifically that John Mark returned to Jerusalem and not Antioch. He was on a different mission and reported to different headship. He was most likely sent to bring a report back to Jerusalem about what God was doing among the Gentiles. He was indeed fulfilling his mission.
Third, John Mark was one of the early disciples called by Jesus and most likely accompanied Him during His public ministry. He may have been the disciple described in Mark 14:51-52. He was like an investigative reporter. He was older than Paul in the faith and had more years of ministry experience, yet Paul belittled him.
Forth, early on in his ministry, Paul was very controlling and demanding. The split between Barnabas and Paul over John mark exposed a deeper flaw in Paul than in John Mark. Early on, Paul was very rigid and micromanaged people. He was a self appointed authority and John Mark danced to a different drummer.
Here is the truth; they had a mutual disrespect for each other. Interpersonal people problems often quenches the Spirit. This is not spiritual warfare… this is spiritual immaturity.
This whole story is filled with lessons on team health and leadership principles. Paul was so focused on his mission, he failed to value and affirm his team. It is interesting that the Son of Encouragement saw value in John Mark and choose him above Paul as his long term traveling and ministry companion. (See Acts 4:36 and Acts 15:39-40)
Years later Paul went through a change and specifically requested Mark to join him in ministry. (See 2 Timothy 4:11) I believe this is a sign that both men had grown considerably and matured.
Ministry will either make you or break you. Those who survive in ministry grow up, learn to forgive and change immensely over the course of time. If they calcify because of anger and bitterness… they become unusable.
Over the years, Paul took on some of the leadership traits of Barnabas and became an encourager himself. It was Paul that eventually penned Philippians 2:1-5 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. As the full story unfolds, it is a picture of the grace and love of God at work in the lives of both Paul and John Mark.
So what can we take away from this story? Be patient and allow God to finish his work in people before you judge their value. Also remember that God is not finished with you yet either. I have a tendency to see myself and others as works in progress. I confess, I gravitate toward Barnabas. I strive to add value to people. I don’t see them as throwaways.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

The Power Encounter: Acts 13:4-12

The Power Encounter: Acts 13:4-12
“4) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5) When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper. 6) When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7) who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8) But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9) But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, 10) and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord? 11) Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. 12) Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.” Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭12‬
The first missionary team was sent out by the Holy Spirit. In was comprised of Barnabas, Saul and John Mark. It is intriguing that the Holy Spirit did not specifically called John Mark to be on this team. (See Acts 13:2) One might argue that he did not have the same grace, unction and calling for this trip. That becomes significant later in the story. He ended up dropping off the team.
Having been sent out by the Holy Spirit, they knew God was going before them. They did not have an agenda other than preaching the gospel wherever they went. As they traveled, they preached in every Jewish synagogue they encountered. It made for a ready audience.
When they reached Paphos, they encountered a magician who was a Jewish false prophet. His name was Bar-Jesus or Elymas. He had some degree of demonic powers and had attached himself Sergius Paulus, who was the proconsul over the region. Satan often sends his false workers to influence both people and policy in the political domain. This deceitful practice can be seen throughout the entire Bible.
The text says that the proconsul himself was a man of intelligence. I have discovered that many political figures are intelligent, gifted and reasonable people. They are valid targets for evangelism and the gospel.
Seek to build bridges with them no matter their political affiliation. Put them toward the top of your prospect and prayer list. (See 1 Timothy 2:1-8) Paul consistently sought a hearing with political and community leaders wherever he traveled. It was part of his calling. (See Acts 9:15)
The resistance did not come from Sergius Paulus, it came from Elymas the magician. The proconsul himself sought to hear the word of God, but Elymas was actively running interference against the mission team and the gospel. (Acts 13:7-8)
This set up a power encounter between Paul and Satan’s deceitful worker. Paul immediately took authority over Elymas and both exposed and bound the false worker through the authority of Jesus Christ. The magician was immediately rendered powerless and was blinded for a period of time. The same fate happened to Saul earlier in his life and led to his conversion. (See Acts 9:1-9) Jesus has strong ways of dealing with those aligned against Him and the gospel.
Upon seeing what unfolded right before his eyes, the proconsul became a believer and was amazed at the teaching of the Lord. In a real sense, this showdown became a “sign” or “open the door” for the gospel. The same was true of Moses and the magicians of Egypt centuries earlier. God seems to thrive on Power Encounters with Satan’s deceitful workers. Some of them become open to the gospel. (See Acts 8:9-13)
Let me make a strong point, spiritual warfare is not to be feared; rather it is consistently seen in the four gospels and in the book of Acts as a huge open door to advance the gospel. Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. He wins every power encounter without exception. (See Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 2:15)
This story screams of the surpassing greatness of Jesus Christ over the false gods of this world. If you are a Christian, then you are a soldier for Christ. Stand in your authority and expose, resist and rebuke the devil. James 4:7-8 and 1 Peter 5:8-9 both say the same thing. When believers actively resist firm in their faith, the devil will flee.
This story in Acts 13:4-12 is an common example of how the early churched engaged in spiritual warfare and confronted Satan’s false workers. There are numerous stories like this in the book of Acts. Once you train yourself to see them, the New Testament is full of similar stories.
Every believer has been given the same authority “in Christ” over the demonic realm. If you are not equipped for Spiritual Warfare, attend one of my Freedom Quest Workshops in person or contact the GoServ Global office and order a workbook. With the overwhelming volume of Scripture on this subject, ignorance is both pathetic and inexcusable!
(Note: You may want to host a live Freedom Quest Workshop for your church or community. It is very easy to schedule, biblically sound, very practical and a major blessing. God often uses these workshops to lay the groundwork for regional revival and awakening. Ordering and reviewing a Freedom Quest Workbook is a great starting point. Please contact me for more information.)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Spirit Filled Staff Meeting: Acts 13:2-4

Spirit Filled Staff Meeting: Acts 13:2-4
“2) While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3) Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus.” Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ NASB
These verses speak volumes about the prayer focus on the leadership level of the early church. This was undoubtedly the single highest priority passed on by the Apostles in Jerusalem. (See Acts 6:4)
The wording in verse 2 is intriguing. Notice, the NASB says; “while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting…” ESV and NIV says; “while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting…” The emphasis goes beyond merely praying. They were earnestly seeking the Lord on a regular basis. Worshipping God and seeking Him was their agenda. They were not casually “opening in prayer” at the beginning of their staff meeting and then rushing into the rest of the agenda.
It is significant that “fasting” was part of the meeting. This may have been a special time of a longer duration set aside by the staff to seek God. The text does not elaborate. They may have stated the year or month with a dedicated time of fasting and seeking God. Some believe they may have ended the week with a day of fasting and worship as leaders. “How” they did it is not mentioned. The fact “that” they set aside time for fasting, prayer and worship is significant.
It was during one of these times of fasting, worship and prayer that Holy Spirit clearly spoke to them as church leaders. They were to set aside Barnabas and Saul “for the work to which I have called them.” They were being sent out by the Holy Spirit.
With this very clear and specific word from the Holy Spirit, they 1) fasted, 2) prayed, 3) laid hands on them, and 4) sent them away. This was a commissioning service for mission work. Verse 4 says, “So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit…” I believe in the importance of a sending church. They had both covering and accountability. They latter reported back to the church at Antioch. (Acts 14:25-28)
What grabs me most in this text is the fervor and intentionality of the leadership in seeking Jesus Christ as the head of the church. This was far from a modern staff meeting or buisness meeting. The Holy Spirit and not the board president was in charge. I realize there is a place for business meetings, but this pictures a radically different and refreshing way of seeking God.
This lines up well with Acts 1:4 to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Every local church needs a way to seek the agenda of the Holy Spirit and not merely the agenda of power brokers in the church. This is the difference between fleshly ministry and Spirit filled and Spirit directed ministry. I have little time or tolerance for carnal ministry at this time in my life. People issues always show up on leadership teams, but intentionality must take place to minimize its influence. Jesus shares His throne with no carnal man or woman.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Unique Glimpse into Church Structure: Acts 13:1

Unique Glimpse into Church Structure: Acts 13:1
“1) Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬
This verse describing the leadership structure in the church at Antioch may take you by surprise. Absent is the notion of “senior pastor” or a “lead elder.” Instead there is a plurality of leaders and gifts. It is also multinational and multicultural. The church at Antioch was instead lead by a godly team.
I personally believe this is a reflection of Ephesians 4:11-12. Let me quote; “11) And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12) for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;”
There are five distinct ministry gifts mentioned in this context. Each of them add an important dimension to the church. Where there is a mature plurality of equals, Jesus is honored as head of the church and the leading of the Holy Spirit is earnestly sought. It seems that the church in Jerusalem had the same model. It was led by a team of godly men. Both churches had autonomy and self governance, yet held to a common confession of faith.
I fully understand there are other Scriptures like the seven churches in Revelation that seem to point to a senior pastor model. However, honestly do not see the New Testament being definitive about church structure apart from Jesus Christ being the head of His church. I have seen strengths and weaknesses with every system.
Seeking Jesus Christ, listening to the Holy Spirit and remaining true to Scripture are the three priorities of any church model. Where God is sincerely put first, then His presence, power and anointing follow.
A thread on structure that does flow through the New Testament could be defined as the Acts 6:4 focus; “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” The next two verses in Acts 13:2-3 underline this same priority. Seeking the Lord as church leaders through fasting and prayer was a priority. This is when and where the Holy Spirit clearly spoke to them about ministry direction.
The goal was to avoid personal agendas and power personalities that seek to control or manipulate the church. These are always yellow lights of carnality. Jesus shares His glory with no man or woman!
Many churches have fallen into the clutches of Diotrephes mentioned in 3 John 1:9-10. He wanted to be first among them and control everything. It was disastrous for the church. Many churches today are rendered ineffective from the same carnal and ungodly dominance.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Change of Reputation: Acts 12:25

Change of Reputation: Acts 12:25
“25) And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark.” Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭25‬ ‭
It is fascinating following names over the course of the next chapter in the book of Acts. Barnabas and Saul return from Jerusalem “when they had fulfilled their mission.” They were both reliable and highly responsible men. They faithfully distributed the money that had been entrusted to them. (See Acts 11:27-30) Christan character is often measured by a persons ability to manage money with no drift toward the Judas syndrome.
When they return to Antioch, they were accompanied by John Mark. He was one of the twelve Apostles who accompanied Jesus during His public ministry. Though not stated in the text, Mark undoubtedly was going to Antioch to ground the Gentile church in the life and teachings of Jesus. According to Colossians 4:10, he was the cousin of Barnabas. It may have been during his stay in Antioch that the gospel of Mark was recorded. It was widely circulated among the Romans.
Notice also that Acts 12:25 talks about “Barnabas and Saul.” By the middle of Acts 13, the name “Saul” is permanently changed to “Paul.” (Vs 9) Also the order of their names are changed to “Paul and Barbaras.” (Vs 42, 46) Paul was gaining in prominence. He becomes the central figure in the book of Acts moving forward. (More about the meaning of the name “Paul” as we get into the next chapter.)
As you grow as a Christian, your reputation should change. With years of walking with Jesus, your name should evoke different a response from people. Over time, you should no longer be known as the person you formerly were before coming to Jesus. In a sense, every Christian should have a Saul to Paul metamorphosis. This change becomes part of your testimony.
Stop and ask yourself; “Is my reputation changing?” If it is not, you have reason to be concerned. Your relationship with Jesus should affect the way other people see and perceive you!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

Worm Manure: Acts 12:20-24

Worm Manure: Acts 12:20-24
“20) Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one accord they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king’s chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was fed by the king’s country. 21) On an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. 22) The people kept crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23) And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24) But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied. 25) And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark.” Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭20‬-‭25‬
If you stand back and look at the big picture, this text captures the contrast between Gods program and the memory of the opposition. During his life, Herod was feared as an oppressor. He tried to stomp out the cause of God. In the end, he died and he was consumed by worms. History has long forgotten him.
Herod reeked from self glory and pride. The crowd called him a god, but they secretly viewed him as a devil. In truth, they celebrated his death more than his life. So is the fate of every mortal who deceives themself into thinking they have attained godhood. Shortly after their death they are reduced to a pile of worm manure.
By contrast the text says; “24) But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.” The gospel went on to change to course of human history. Peter became a household name and many throughout history have been named after him! The wicked always come to an end and slip away into obscurity. When was the last time you met someone named “Herod?”
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global

The Disturbance: Acts 12:18-19

The Disturbance: Acts 12:18-19
“18) Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter. 19) When Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was spending time there.” Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬-‭19‬
God has a habit of stirring things up. “When day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter.” I’m sure there was a thorough investigation. The chains were examined, the doors were checked, even the gate was looked at closely. Finally, the guards were examined to see if there was a Jesus sympathizer among them.
This line of investigation must have turned up some positive sentiment for The Way. After all, Cornelius and his Italian cohort had come to Christ in the previous chapter.
Herod concluded it was an inside job. There was no tolerance to consider of the Divine Intervention Theory. That would have been the modern equivalent of admitting an Intelligent Designer pulled off the origins of the universe. The notion was quickly dismissed.
Herod chose to kill four squads of soldiers rather than yield to the notion that the finger of God was responsible. Some people are dogmatically closed to the notion of the existence of God. They refuse to acknowledge Him or humble themselves before Him. They are blind and deaf to any an all evidence that point to God. They would rather die as atheists than live as Christians. The rest of the story screams that God is more than willing to accommodate their foolish fate!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global