THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 12 - Verse 21

Verse 21. And upon a set day. An appointed, public day. This was the second day of the sports and games which Herod celebrated in Caesarea in honour of Claudius Caesar. Josephus has given an account of this occurrence, which coincides remarkably with the narrative here. The account is contained in his Antiquities of the Jews, b. xix. chap. viii. § 2, and is as follows:

"Now when Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he

came to the city Caesarea, which was formerly called Strato's

Tower; and there he exhibited shows in honour of Caesar, upon

his being informed that there was a certain festival celebrated

to make vows for his safety. At which festival a great multitude

was gotten together of the principal persons, and such as were

of dignity throughout his province. On the second day of which

shows, he put on a garment made wholly of silver,"

etc.

Arrayed in royal apparel. In the apparel of a king. Josephus thus describes the dress which Herod wore on that occasion:

"He put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of wonderful

contexture, and early in the morning came into the theatre,

place of the shows and games at which time the silver of his

garment, being illuminated by the first reflection of the

sun's rays upon it, shone after a surprising manner, and was

so resplendent as to spread a horror over those that looked

intently on him."

Sat upon his throne. This does not denote a throne in the usual sense of that word, but a high seat in the theatre, where he sat, and from whence he could have a full view of the games and sports. From this place he made his speech.

Made an oration. Addressed the people. What was the subject of this speech is not intimated by Luke or Josephus.

{+} "set day" "An appointed"