Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. (2) And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. (3) And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
If the Reader at the opening of this Chapter, will consult the Poor Man's Commentary on Matthew 2:19; he will there observe, that this Herod was the fourth of that name, whose awful histories are shortly mentioned in the word of God. Not with a view to record their names, but their infamy. And, but for the carrying on the history of the Church, would not have been known even by name, in the present hour, but to a very few, if any. Their memorial is perished with them, Psalms 9:6. He was deputy king, under Claudius Caesar, Emperor of Rome. This James, whom Herod killed, was one of the sons of Zebedee, concerning whom the Lord Jesus foretold, of his being baptized with his baptism, Matthew 20:22. The Lord hath given in a single line the infamy of Herod's character. He had killed James; and because he saw it pleased the Jews, he would have killed Peter also. So that this thirsting for blood, was not even pretended to be on the least ground of justice, but to please blood-thirsty men, like himself. How very pointed are the words of the Holy Ghost, concerning the sure destruction of such characters. Whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not! 2 Peter 2:3.