21
On the day set for their meeting, Herod, robed in pomposity, took his place on the throne and regaled them with a lot of hot air.
22
The people played their part to the hilt and shouted flatteries: "The voice of God! The voice of God!"
23
That was the last straw. God had had enough of Herod's arrogance and sent an angel to strike him down. Herod had given God no credit for anything. Down he went. Rotten to the core, a maggoty old man if there ever was one, he died.
24
Meanwhile, the ministry of God's Word grew by leaps and bounds.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.