The same angel who had come from the royal courts to rescue Peter, had been the messenger of wrath and judgment to Herod. The angel smote Peter to arouse him from slumber; it was with a different stroke that he smote the wicked king, laying low his pride and bringing upon him the punishment of the Almighty. Herod died in great agony of mind and body, under the retributive judgment of God.

Den samme engel, der var kommet fra de himmelske boliger for at frelse Peter, havde været vredens og dommens sendebud til Herodes. Engelen stødte til Peter for at vække ham af søvne, det var med en anden slags stød, at han ramte den onde konge, et, som nedbrød hans stolthed og bragte den Almægtiges straf over ham. Herodes døde under forfærdelige lidelser, både sjælelige og legemlige, ved Guds gengældelsesdom.