God is sovereign. He directs the course of history and uses the plans of those opposed to him to accomplish his will. Persecution will not stop him from building his church.
God will not be mocked. Herod is killed because he mocks God when he knows better.
God hears prayer. The Lord delights to be at work in this world in answer to the prayers of his people without being subject to them.
God controls the angels. An angel is sent by the Lord to rescue Peter from prison.
1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.