(a) Explain how Herod opposed the early church.
(b) Identify two consequences of this opposition.
a) How Herod opposed the early church:
(i) Herod's first assault on the church was to slay James (John's brother).
(ii) Since his action pleased the Jews, he seized Peter and detained him.
(iii) Peter was in prison, under strong guards, intended to be executed after the Passover (which had already begun).
(iv) The church prayed earnestly for him.
(v) That night, as Peter slept in chains betwen two soldiers.
(vi) An angel of the Lord woke him up and ordered him to follow him.
(vii) Peter dressed up and followed, his chains having fallen off.
(viii) They passed freely through many guards until they came to the main street.
(ix) There the angel left him and he then realized that the whole thing was real and not a vision.
(x) He left immediately for the house of Mary/mother of John.
(xi) When he knocked at the door, a house girl, Rhoda, recognised Peter's voice but did not open the door.
(xii) She ran back and announced to the apostles who were praying.
(xiii) In unison they said that it was Peter's angel she had seen and that she was mad.
(xiv) As Peter knocked, they opened the door; Peter entered and motioned for silence.
(xv) He described what had happened and how he was rescued from prison.
(xvi) He asked them to relate the news to James and the brethren and went to an unknown place.
(xvii) On the next day, a big stir ensued following Peter's escape. Herod examined the guards and executed them for negligence.
(b) Consequences of this opposition:
(i) Herod died suddenly, and was eaten up by worms.
(ii) As a result of his death, the church grew or the gospel spread.
(iii) The fear that gripped the church was removed.
(iv) There was relative peace.
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