QUESTION 7:
- Describe the incident that made the people of Tyre and Sidon to refer to Herod Agrippa’s speech as the voice of a god, and not of man.
- State three effects of arrogance on individuals.
Observation
THE INCIDENT THAT LED TO THE EXCLAMATION OF THE PEOPLE OF TYRE AND SIDON (ACTS 12:18-24
This question was less popular among the candidates and a higher percentage of those who attempted it lacked mastery of this passage and their performance was below average. Points candidates ought to have pointed out are;
- Herod Agrippa I died not long after Peter had escaped from prison.
- As a Jew, he did not accept the view that the crucified Jesus was the Messiah.
- Peter’s escape made Herod so furious that he caused the death of the sentries involved.
- After these events in Jerusalem, Herod returned to Caesarea the seat of his jurisdiction.
- At Caesarea, he got provoked by the people of Tyre and Sidon for not keeping faith with him.
- In view of this he placed an embargo on the supply of grain to the Phoenicians (People of Tyre and Sidon).
- The situation became precarious to the people of Tyre and Sidon because they depended on Herod for their supplies.
- To sue for peace, the people called on Blastus, the king’s chamberlain to plead on their behalf.
- On the day of settling the case, Herod mounted the throne in the best of his royal robes.
- Herod then made a very profound speech, which made the people of Tyre and Sidon to exclaim “The voice of a god, and not of man!”. This implied that it was an angel who delivered the speech.
- But Herod was struck by an angel for not rebuking the people who were according him that high honour, (blaspheming).
- Worms ate him up and he died for refusing to glorify God for the gift of oration.
- God exalts the humble but the proud he brings down/ incurs God’s anger.
- Society frowns upon pride.
- Pride tarnishes one’s image.
- It brings about isolation/ rejection.
- It breeds hatred/ dissatisfaction.
- It can lead to disaster or death.
- It denies one of his or her privileges eg: knowledge, wisdom and opportunities.
- It causes division among people/disagreement.
- It leads to destruction of self-confidence.
EFFECTS OF ARROGANCE ON INDIVIDUAL