Herod Agrippa I. Being the grandson of Herod the Great made him a shoo-in for the role of king of Judea. He ruled from 41–44 C.E. Herod Agrippa I “laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church.” (Acts 12:1) He had James killed. He had Peter arrested and put under heavy guard. Herod intended to bring Peter out after Passover. Peter’s friends prayed for him while he was in prison.