Acts 12:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →On an appointed day, Herod takes his throne in royal robes and delivers a formal address to the delegations.
What Does Acts 12:21 Mean?
The 'set day' arrives with full pageantry: royal apparel, an elevated throne, a prepared oration for the suitors from Tyre and Sidon. Everything is staged to display majesty — a client king presenting himself as something more than a man to crowds that need his favor.
Luke dresses the scene carefully because the chapter has been weighing two kinds of glory: an apostle in a cell, told by an angel to throw on his own worn cloak, and a king enthroned in splendor. One scene ended in freedom; this one will end in worms. Robes and applause are the world's measure of greatness, and the verse holds them up just long enough for us to watch them fail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 12:21
What does Acts 12:21 mean?
On an appointed day, Herod takes his throne in royal robes and delivers a formal address to the delegations.