Acts 12:20

KJV

¶ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's [country].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Herod {G2264} was {G2258} highly displeased {G2371} with them of Tyre {G5183} and {G2532} Sidon {G4606}: but {G1161} they came {G3918} with one accord {G3661} to {G4314} him {G846}, and {G2532}, having made {G3982} Blastus {G986} the king's {G935} chamberlain {G1909}{G2846} their friend {G3982}, desired {G154} peace {G1515}; because {G1223} their {G846} country {G5561} was nourished {G5142} by {G575} the king's {G937} country.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tzor and Tzidon, so they joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, the king’s chief personal servant, they asked for peace; because they depended on the king’s lands for their food supply.

Berean Standard Bible

Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food.

American Standard Version

Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king’s country.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 12:20 details a significant diplomatic encounter between King Herod Agrippa I and the inhabitants of the Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon. It reveals Herod's intense displeasure with these cities, their unified effort to seek peace, and their strategic use of Blastus, the king's chamberlain, as an intermediary. The verse underscores the economic dependency of Tyre and Sidon on Herod's territory for their sustenance, providing the crucial motivation for their reconciliation efforts and setting the immediate stage for Herod's dramatic downfall due to his pride and persecution of the early church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal chapter of Acts, immediately preceding the dramatic account of Herod Agrippa I's divinely orchestrated death. Prior to this, Herod has established himself as a persecutor of the nascent Christian community, having executed James, the brother of John, with the sword and imprisoned Peter with the intention of a public execution after Passover ([Acts 12:1-4](/acts/12-1-4 "Acts 12:1-4 - Herod's Persecution of the Church")). Peter's miraculous escape ([Acts 12:5-19](/acts/12-5-19 "Acts 12:5-19 - Peter's Miraculous Deliverance")) serves as a powerful demonstration of God's protection over His church, directly contrasting with Herod's earthly power. Acts 12:20 then shifts focus to Herod's political dealings, highlighting his authority and the extent of his influence just before God's judgment intervenes, thereby emphasizing the suddenness and totality of divine sovereignty over human rulers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, was a shrewd politician who had successfully cultivated favor with the Roman emperors Caligula and Claudius, eventually gaining control over a vast territory, including Judea, Samaria, and parts of Galilee and Perea. His reign (AD 41-44) was marked by efforts to appease the Jewish populace, which unfortunately included persecuting Christians. Tyre and Sidon were ancient Phoenician port cities located to the north of Judea, renowned for their maritime trade and craftsmanship. While economically prosperous through trade, they were often dependent on the agricultural produce of the more fertile inland regions, including the territories under Herod's control, for their food supply. A state of "highly displeased" relations with Herod would have implied a severe disruption of these vital supplies, threatening the very survival of their populations. The practice of using influential intermediaries like a "chamberlain" (a high-ranking official with close access to the king) was a common and necessary diplomatic strategy in the ancient Near East to resolve disputes and secure favorable outcomes.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 12:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Human Authority**. Herod's seemingly absolute power and control over the sustenance of entire cities are immediately juxtaposed with his sudden and humiliating demise at God's hand in the verses that follow ([Acts 12:21-23](/acts/12-21-23 "Acts 12:21-23 - Herod's Death")). Secondly, it highlights **Economic Interdependence and its Political Ramifications**. The verse clearly demonstrates how economic necessity can drive political action, forcing even proud cities to humble themselves to secure vital resources. This echoes principles seen throughout Scripture regarding the interconnectedness of nations and the practical implications of resource control. Finally, the strategic use of an intermediary to "desire peace" introduces the theme of **Reconciliation and Diplomacy**, even in the face of deep animosity, anticipating the ultimate reconciliation offered through a divine intermediary.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **highly displeased (Greek, _thymomachéō'_):** This verb, a compound of *thymos* (anger, passion) and *machomai* (to fight), literally means "to fight with anger" or "to be in a furious fight." It conveys a deep-seated animosity, a significant quarrel, or an intense state of exasperation, far beyond a mere disagreement. Herod's disposition towards Tyre and Sidon was one of profound and active hostility, indicating a serious political or economic dispute that had escalated to a critical point.
* **with one accord (Greek, _homothymadón'_):** This adverb, derived from *homou* (together) and *thymos* (spirit, mind), signifies "unanimously," "with one mind," or "with one passion." It emphasizes the complete unity and consensus among the people of Tyre and Sidon in their desperate pursuit of peace. While often used in Acts to describe the unity of the early church (e.g., [Acts 2:46](/acts/2-46 "Acts 2:46 - The Unity of the Early Church")), its application here highlights the collective desperation and resolve of these cities in the face of potential starvation.
* **nourished (Greek, _tréphō'_):** This primary verb means "to stiffen," "to fatten," or "to cherish (with food, etc.)," implying sustained provision and sustenance. It indicates that the supply of food from Herod's territory was not merely a convenience but an ongoing, vital source of nourishment for Tyre and Sidon. This economic dependency made the resolution of the conflict with Herod an existential matter, making their "desire for peace" a matter of survival.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon:"** This opening clause establishes the initial state of affairs, revealing King Herod Agrippa I's intense and active hostility towards the inhabitants of these two prominent Phoenician cities. The "highly displeased" (thymomachéō) suggests a significant and potentially long-standing conflict, likely economic or political in nature, that had reached a boiling point, threatening the well-being of the Tyrians and Sidonians.
* **"but they came with one accord to him,"** Despite Herod's animosity, the people of Tyre and Sidon took the initiative to approach him. The phrase "with one accord" (homothymadón) underscores their collective unity, desperation, and determination. This was not a fractured or hesitant delegation, but a unified front, recognizing the gravity of their situation and the necessity of reconciliation.
* **"and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend,"** This clause reveals the strategic and pragmatic approach taken by Tyre and Sidon. Recognizing their direct access to Herod was likely limited or impossible given his displeasure, they cultivated a relationship with Blastus, a high-ranking official with intimate access to the king's private chambers. "Made... their friend" (peíthō) implies they persuaded or conciliated him, likely through gifts or promises, to act as an advocate or intermediary on their behalf. This highlights the importance of influence and connections in ancient diplomacy.
* **"desired peace;"** This is the direct objective of their diplomatic maneuver. "Desired" (aitéō) means to ask or beg, emphasizing their humble and urgent plea. The "peace" (eirḗnē) they sought was not merely the absence of conflict but a state of restored relations that would ensure the resumption of vital trade and the flow of agricultural provisions from Herod's territory, crucial for their survival.
* **"because their country was nourished by the king's [country]."** This final clause provides the explicit reason and compelling motivation for their actions. It reveals the fundamental economic dependency of Tyre and Sidon on the agricultural output of Herod's kingdom. The word "nourished" (tréphō) signifies a sustained and vital provision, indicating that their very existence was reliant on the goodwill and continued supply from Herod's lands. This economic vulnerability forced their hand, making the pursuit of peace an absolute necessity.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 12:20 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact and theological significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Herod's display of power and the cities' dependence on him set the stage for the dramatic reversal of fortune in the subsequent verses, where God's ultimate sovereignty is demonstrated through Herod's sudden death. There is a clear **Contrast** between Herod's "highly displeased" state and the "one accord" unity of Tyre and Sidon, highlighting the different motivations and approaches to conflict. Furthermore, the scene presents a subtle **Irony**: Herod, who holds the power to "nourish" or starve entire cities, is himself utterly dependent on God's will for his very breath, a dependence he tragically fails to acknowledge. The entire interaction serves as a crucial **Narrative Setup**, building the tension and showcasing Herod's earthly authority just before it is decisively challenged by divine judgment, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human power when set against God's eternal dominion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 12:20 offers profound insights into the nature of power, diplomacy, and divine sovereignty. It illustrates how economic and political realities often intertwine, compelling nations to seek peace even in the face of hostility. The verse implicitly teaches that all earthly authority, no matter how formidable, is ultimately subordinate to God's overarching plan. Herod's ability to control the sustenance of entire cities highlights a temporal, earthly power that pales in comparison to the divine power that sustains all life and can bring down the mightiest rulers in an instant. This serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical truth that God is the ultimate sustainer and sovereign over all kingdoms and human affairs.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 12:20 provides a window into the complex interplay of power, economics, and human vulnerability, offering timeless lessons for contemporary life. It reminds us that behind political headlines and international disputes often lie fundamental human needs and economic dependencies. The proactive pursuit of peace by Tyre and Sidon, even through strategic intermediaries, underscores the biblical imperative to seek reconciliation and understanding, even with those who are displeased with us. For believers, this passage serves as a powerful call to remember that while earthly powers may seem formidable and controlling, they are ultimately subject to the sovereign hand of God. Our ultimate reliance should never be on human systems or leaders, but on the God who raises up and brings down kings. This perspective fosters both humility in power and hope in times of oppression, knowing that God's justice and purposes will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the economic dependency of Tyre and Sidon on Herod's country illustrate the practical implications of resource control in international relations today?**
* **In what ways does this passage challenge or affirm our understanding of human power and authority in light of God's sovereignty?**
* **When faced with conflict or "displeasure" from others, what lessons can we learn from Tyre and Sidon's proactive pursuit of peace through an intermediary?**

### FAQ
**Why was Herod "highly displeased" with Tyre and Sidon?**
Answer: The text does not explicitly state the reason for Herod's displeasure, but historical and economic context suggests it was likely due to a political or economic dispute. Tyre and Sidon were significant trade centers, and a conflict with Herod's territory, which supplied them with vital agricultural provisions, would have had severe economic consequences for them. Herod, as a ruler seeking to consolidate power and appease his Jewish subjects, may have been asserting control over trade routes, imposing taxes, or reacting to perceived slights from these independent-minded cities. His "highly displeased" state (Greek *thymomachéō*) indicates a deep-seated animosity or a significant quarrel that had escalated to a critical point, threatening the very sustenance of these cities.

**Who was Blastus, and why was he important in this situation?**
Answer: Blastus was "the king's chamberlain," a high-ranking official who served in a personal capacity to King Herod Agrippa I. As a chamberlain, he would have had close and privileged access to the king's person and private quarters. In the ancient world, such individuals often served as trusted confidantes and intermediaries. For the people of Tyre and Sidon, who were in a state of severe disfavor with Herod, direct appeal would have been difficult or impossible. By "making Blastus their friend" (likely through persuasion, gifts, or promises), they secured a crucial advocate who could present their petition for peace directly to the king, bypassing the normal channels and leveraging his personal influence to soften Herod's stance and facilitate reconciliation. This highlights the strategic importance of personal connections in ancient diplomacy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 12:20, while detailing a geopolitical event, subtly points towards the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of peace and divine sovereignty. Herod's earthly power, capable of controlling the very sustenance of nations and inspiring fear, stands in stark contrast to the eternal and righteous reign of Christ. Herod's eventual demise, detailed in the subsequent verses ([Acts 12:21-23](/acts/12-21-23 "Acts 12:21-23 - Herod's Divine Judgment")), serves as a powerful testament to the fleeting nature of all human authority compared to the enduring kingdom of God established through Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the desperate need of Tyre and Sidon for an intermediary, Blastus, to secure peace and nourishment from an earthly king, foreshadows humanity's far greater need for a divine Mediator. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "chamberlain" who has reconciled humanity to God, not through flattery or human persuasion, but through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Reconciliation Through His Blood")). He is the true source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life, upon whom all humanity is utterly dependent ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Just as Tyre and Sidon sought peace for physical survival, Christ offers spiritual peace and abundant life to all who come to Him through faith, fulfilling the deepest longings of the human soul.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezra 3:7

They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Ezekiel 27:17

Judah, and the land of Israel, they [were] thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.

Matthew 11:21

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Matthew 11:22

But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

Luke 16:8

And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Luke 14:31

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Luke 14:32

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.