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                     THE THEATER AT CAESAREA

     Now when (Herod)Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he came to the city of Caesarea, which was formerly called Strabo's tower; and there he exhibited shows in honor of Caesar, upon his being informed that there was a certain festival celebrated to make vows for his safety. At this festival a great multitude was gotten together of the principal persons, such as were of dignity through his province. On the second day of these shows he put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a contexture truly wonderful, and came into the theater early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment being illuminated by the fresh reflection of the sun's rays upon it, shown out after a surprising manner, and was so resplendent as to spread amazement over those who looked intently upon him; and presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and one from another (though not for his good), that he was a god; and that they added, "Be you merciful to us; for although we have as yet reverenced you only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own you as superior to mortal nature." Upon this the king did neither rebuke them, nor reject their impious flattery... A severe pain also arose in his belly and began in a most violent manner. He therefore looked at his friends, and said, "I whom you called a god, am commanded presently to depart this life; while Providence thus reproves the lying words you just now said to me; and I, who was by you called immortal, am immediately to be hurried away by death. But I am bound to accept what providence allots, as it pleases God; for we have no means lived ill, but in a splendid happy manner." When he said this, his pain was become violent. Accordingly, he was carried into the palace, and the rumor went abroad everywhere, that he would certainly die in a little time.... And when he had been quite worn out by the pain for five days, he departed this life, being in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and in the seventh year of his reign. 

NOTES: Josephus, book 19, 8. 2, Translated by William Whiston.

    Josephus generally agrees with the account in the book of Acts.  ACTS 12: 21-23, And on an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. And the people kept crying out, "The voice of a god and not a man." And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died.

NOTES: A sad end to Herod day.