The answer is: Herod Agrippa

Acts 12:1-3 - Grandson of Herod the Great

The king who had James executed and then went after Peter was indeed Herod Agrippa I, a turbulent character in a tumultuous time. He ruled over Judea and is often seen as the puppet of Rome, trying to keep peace and gain favor amid the need for survival. The Herodian lineage, which includes Agrippa, is fascinating—it traces back to Herod the Great, the notorious king who ruled while Jesus was born, known for his massive building projects and for being at the center of the "Slaughter of the Innocents" story.

In Acts 12, we find a particularly grim yet gripping story. Agrippa seized this opportunity to please the Jewish leaders by persecuting the early Christians, his execution of James being a particularly ruthless example. It's like he was facing immense pressure from both Rome and the rapidly emerging Christian movement, striving to walk a tightrope of power.

Fun trivia: Herod Agrippa I used to host grand banquets, and ancient historians record some amusing anecdotes about his bouts with pride regarding his impressive speaking skills. In one case, Flavius Josephus describes an incident where Agrippa delivered a speech so mesmerizing that the audience declared him to be like a god, leading to divine retribution—a fascinating link to the biblical theme of pride leading to a fall.

Also interesting is how Peter's miraculous escape through angelic intervention showcases the power of faith and the belief in divine assistance, providing a real spectacle of divine versus earthly authority. It's a powerful reminder that difficulties can pave the way for significant change!