With poignant contrast Luke summarizes the Lord's victory over political powers. Worms spread and devour Herod's body, but the word of God, the Christian message, also spreads and multiplies (see comment at 6:7; compare Acts 19:20; Lk 8:11). This should work confidence in our hearts. We need not cower before threatening political power. We will boldly continue to spread the message of life. Though those in power may stop us, even by death, they cannot stop the gospel!

Herod was cut off just four years into his reign, but the church's work knows no such incompleteness in any aspect. Barnabas and Saul, having finished their mission (literally, "service") at Jerusalem, return to Antioch, taking John Mark with them.