Chapter
Verse

Acts 12:20

ESV Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king 's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king 's country for food.
NIV He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply.
NASB Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one mind they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king’s chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was supported with grain from the king’s country.
CSB Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. Together they presented themselves before him. After winning over Blastus, who was in charge of the king’s bedroom, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food from the king’s country.
NLT Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod’s country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod’s personal assistant,
KJV And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
NKJV Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country.

What does Acts 12:20 mean?

Herod Agrippa I is the grandson of Herod the Great and king over almost all his territory with the exception of Decapolis. Agrippa makes his home in Jerusalem where he can maintain favorable relations with the Jewish leaders. Although foolish in his youth, when he became king of Judea, Agrippa kept Caligula from installing a statue of himself in the temple; and Agrippa read aloud the Mosaic law to the people. His friendliness with the Jews has made him an enemy of the church; Agrippa arrested and beheaded the apostle James and arrested Peter, whom he would have executed had an angel not rescued Peter from prison (Acts 12:1–11). Now, Agrippa has come to the Roman capital of Caesarea Maritima on the coast of Samaria (Acts 12:19).

We're not told the nature of the conflict between Agrippa and Tyre and Sidon, but the language suggests they argued violently. Tyre and Sidon are two city-states in Phoenicia, north of Galilee. They have good ports and are known for their trading, but the narrow strip between the mountain range and the Mediterranean leaves little farmland. Egypt is well known for its wheat, but Galilee, Samaria, and Judea are closer. "With one accord" suggests the cities had a similar issue with Agrippa and agreed to join forces to present their complaints. Tyre and Sidon are still cities in Lebanon.

"Chamberlain" can also be translated "trusted personal attendant." "Persuaded" probably means bribed.
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