Herod's act in putting James to death was applauded by the Jews, though some complained of the private manner in which it was accomplished, maintaining that a public execution would have more thoroughly intimidated the believers and those sympathizing with them. Herod therefore held Peter in custody, meaning still further to gratify the Jews by the public spectacle of his death. But it was suggested that it would not be safe to bring the veteran apostle out for execution before all the people then assembled in Jerusalem. It was feared that the sight of him being led out to die might excite the pity of the multitude.

Herodes henrettelse af Jakob vandt jødernes bifald, skønt nogle af dem klagede over, at den var foregået så hemmeligt, og hævdede, at en offentlig henrettelse ville have virket mere skræmmende på de troende og dem, der havde sympati for dem. Derfor holdt Herodes Peter under bevogtning i den hensigt senere at tilfredsstille jøderne ved at lade hans død foregå offentligt. Men nogle mente, at det var risikabelt at lade apostlenes leder henrette i folkets påsyn, mens så mange var samlet i Jerusalem. Man var bange for, at det skulle vække mængdens medlidenhed, når de så ham blive ført hen for at dø!