The Atheist in the First Century
An atheist is essentially a materialist, meaning that he believes only in what can be perceived with the five senses. Therefore, he rejects any possibility of a spiritual influence. He repudiates the idea of God, angelic beings, or any explanation for events involving the unseen. This attitude is on display with Herod in the first century. Undoubtedly, he considered himself above any manmade Deity. His atheism caused him to put to death his own soldiers.
We read of these events in Acts 12: Herod had put to death James, the brother of John (v. 2). Because it pleased the Jews, he also imprisoned Peter and might have killed him, also, after the celebration of the Passover (v. 3). Herod charged four squads of soldiers to guard Peter until the Passover was concluded (v. 4). Therefore, as soon as it was day, Herod was going to bring the apostle forth, but he could not be found! The soldiers could not figure out what happened. They were all still on guard, but Peter was missing. In fact, he had been chained to two guards. The guards and the chains were there, but Peter was absent. How can such a thing be explained? Herod himself conducted a personal search, but he could not find him, either. He personally examined the guards but was not impressed with their lack of knowledge as to what had happened. He commanded that they be put to death (12:17-19).
This was a mystery to Herod, but the reader is informed as to what actually happened. An angel of the Lord appeared to Peter while he and the guards slept. A light was present, and the angel struck Peter on the side to awaken him. The chains fell off of Peter's hands; the angel told him to arise quickly (v. 7). The apostle, who thought he was seeing a vision, got dressed and followed the angel out of the prison (vv. 8-9). They walked past the two guard posts to an iron gate, which opened of its own accord, thus allowing Peter to enter the city (v. 10). The guards were totally unaware of this escape.
No one could propose a natural explanation for what had occurred. The only "logical" conclusion was that someone bribed the guards; therefore, they were put to death. Did anyone suggest a supernatural explanation? A brave soldier might have made this argument to Herod: "Sir, we know that the apostles whom you are persecuting have worked miracles, just as Jesus did before them. As you know, these apostles of Jesus claim that He arose from the dead. Peter, the one you imprisoned has reportedly worked great miracles. People try to just get his shadow to fall on them in order to be healed [as reported in Acts 5:14-16, GWS]. Surely, he could supernaturally disappear from the captivity of the soldiers without difficulty. You know your men are loyal to you." Herod would have retorted, "I don't believe in such mumbo jumbo"—and put the soldiers to death.