Now about that time King Herod began a persecution of certain people in the [Jerusalem] church. [Note: This man was the grandson of Herod the Great. See Matt. 2:1].
About that time Herod the tetrarch [Note: This man was the son of Herod the Great (See 2:1 and governor of that district] heard the report about what Jesus had been saying and doing.
But when Herod’s birthday came, Herodias’ daughter [Note: According to Josephus, her name was Salome], pleased him by [her sensual] dancing in front of the party guests.
At that time people will turn you over [to the authorities] for persecution and will [even] kill you. And people from all countries will hate you for being loyal to me.
When I was with you every day in the Temple you did not raise a hand against me. But this is your hour [i.e., the time for you to act against me] and the power of darkness [has now taken over].”
But they [i.e., the world] will do all these things to you for my name’s sake [i.e., because you are my disciples], for they do not know Him [i.e., God], who sent me.
The Jewish authorities will expel you from their synagogues. In fact, the time will come when whoever kills you will think he is doing a service to God.
So, the church throughout all of Judea, Galilee and Samaria was multiplied in number, enjoyed peace, was built up [spiritually] and lived in awe of the Lord and was comforted by the Holy Spirit.