👉 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 12:23. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about a leader being struck by God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Peter is Being Persecuted: The verse tells us that Peter, who was a very influential and popular leader in the early church, was being severely punished for his actions. Giving Glory to Someone Else: The key part is that Peter didn’t give God the glory . He was prioritizing someone else – a Roman official named Herod – over God. Being Smitten by God: The angel of the Lord (God himself) struck Peter with a powerful, angry blow. It wasn't just a punishment; it was a sign that God was deeply upset with Peter’s actions. Death and Worms: As a result of this anger, Peter fell ill and died. And as he died, he became infested with maggots – like flies – which caused him to decay quickly. Putting It All Together - A Simple Explanation: Peter was trying to get his own glory or praise, but he didn't recognize that God is the ultimate source of all power and honor. He essentially prioritized his own position over God’s. His actions were so wrong that God was angry with him and sent a terrible punishment. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and prioritizing human ambition over genuine worship of God. It highlights the importance of recognizing God's authority and not seeking to usurp his position. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this passage (why it’s important)? Talk about the symbolism behind it?
