Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.
As Herod was giving a political speech in the public square, receiving the praise, and worship of men which belongs to God alone, the angel came suddenly upon him and smote him on stage, in view of all who were praising and adoring him. God does not usually use force, but if folks push the envelope, He absolutely can and will, if He deems it necessary.
Again, we must reiterate that it’s not like God to use force when dealing with us as earthlings, because as the Bible says, He delights in mercy, and usually will allow our freedom of choice to work out its natural result on its own, whether it be good or evil. But every so often, God will give us a terrible reality check, so that those who might be thinking of doing wrong may think twice. The intrusions made are to warn others of making the same fatal mistake, and thus, He spares the many, by prosecuting the few.
Acts 12:4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
Acts 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!