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UNITED IN PRAYER AND APPLYING THE WORD OF GOD
ACTS 1:12-26
(Book study series – Acts) Message no. 3
October 31, 2021 - SUN a.m.
For those who rarely came to church and rarely got involved in anything in God’s work in ministry and thinking that you don’t need the church because you said that your faith is personal and private so you worship God on your own. Listen, let us try to take one piece of charcoal off the pile with a pair of tongs and set if off by itself. Now, within a matter of minutes, that one piece of charcoal that you took had lost its heat and lost its ability to do what it was supposed to do. On the other hand, the rest of the burning coals were getting the job done, but the isolated coal accomplished nothing. As a believer in Christ, each of us, you and I need the corporate support of each other that comes through the church. We all need corporate fellowship with the brethren, we need to pray together as a group and study the Word of God as a group if we are to accomplish exactly what God wants us to accomplish. Do not go out and live on you own, you will fall empty and loser. May we link ourselves with the group of the brethren who loves the Lord and Word of God, you can shine bright for God. That is the content message in this first part of the book of Acts.
Although the book of Acts is a book of action, but interestingly the first action that is commanded to the appointed group of disciples in this book of Acts is to wait (Acts 1:4 “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.”). The Lord Jesus Christ had told the apostles that they were to go back to Jerusalem and wait. Jesus is saying to these apostles not to do anything until they have the power of the Holy Spirit, and they must go back to Jerusalem and wait for Jesus to give them that power.
We will see here in our passage what these disciples did in the ten days interval while they were waiting for that Holy Spirit power that the Father had promised them. We need to see and do what these disciples hath done, may we follow their example. If we truly want the outpouring of the Holy spirit power to revival our personal Christian life and our church, we must emulate or copy the described pattern in the early part of this book of Acts.
PROPOSITION: BETWEEN THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST AND THE OURPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE APOSTLES AND OTHER DEVOTED BELIEVERS HAD UNITED PRAYER, AND UNDERSTANDABLY APPLIED THE WORD OF GOD. It is very important for us all to see these actions of the apostles. Since, all of us as Christians are living in the aftermath of the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, so we need the same attitude and action this group of disciples had faithfully done. Let us not forget that this appointed group of believers will accomplish powerful things for God’s glory and if we want to be use by God powerfully, we must follow their example in this book of Acts. I – PERFECT OBEDIENCE – v.12 Acts 1:12 “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.”
Mga Gawa 1:12 "Pagkatapos ay bumalik sila sa Jerusalem buhat sa tinatawag na bundok ng mga Olibo, malapit sa Jerusalem, na isang araw ng Sabbath lakarin." FILIPINO VERSION
The apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives after Jesus ascension.
We read the phrase “Then returned they unto Jerusalem.” According to their Master’s appointment, they have first to worshipped him (Luke 24:52 “And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:”). The disciples were in the midst of their enemies, but it seems immediately after the resurrection of Christ they were watched, and were in fear of the Jews, yet after it was known that they were gone into Galilee, no one notice and taken a news of their return to the city, so nothing any further search made for them. In Jerusalem they spend themselves in a daily devotion publicly and privately, they were rejoicing that they had seen and heard the resurrected Christ, and they firmly believing that some extraordinary event was at hand waiting for them all, whereby they should be more fully qualified for the great challenges of work assigned for them by their resurrected Master; which, whatever the hazard, risk, or danger of it might bring, they were firmly and strongly determined to carry out (idaos) and ready to be prosecuted.
The scene of Christ’s ascension was not mentioned before; we hear it now, it says in Bethany, in Luke 24:50 says “And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.”, which is nigh unto Jerusalem according to John 11:18 “Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:” that is fifteen stadia approximately 1¾ miles from Jerusalem.
Then it tells us the disciples came from it says, “from the mount called Olivet,” as to the name, take a look on Luke 19:29 “And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,”.
Notice the words “which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey” A sabbath day’s journey was generally fix by the Jews to two thousand (2,000) cubits, or about seven and a half furlongs which tradition had long fixed as the proper limit of a Sabbath walk. The place of Olivet was five furlongs distance from Jerusalem, while Bethany was fifteen. Now, the first region or tract of Mount Olivet, which was called Bethany, was distant from the city a sabbath day’s journey, or about seven and a half furlongs, and that is the same distance did that tract called Bethphage extend from the city. When, therefore, our Lord Jesus came to the place where these two tracts, namely the Bethany and Bethphage touched each other, our Lord Jesus ascended there, which the place of location was distant from Jerusalem a Sabbath day’s journey, as Luke here recorded and gave remarks (Luke 24:50-51).
The apostles were told to go back to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit, they did that exactly in complete obedience to the Word of God. Let us think for a moment what this walk back to Jerusalem would have been like. The disciples with full expectation that something very powerful concerning the Holy Spirit was going to happen that is why they were heading back to Jerusalem. The apostles were about to launch off into a new epoch time period known as the Church Age or some called it “Dispensation of Grace (Ephesians 3:2). The dynamic powerful work of the Spirit of God would be feature.
Since a sabbath’s day journey, measured about seven and a half furlongs so it would be 0.9375 miles approximately 1650 yards. It has been calculated by some theologians that the travel distance from the Mount of Olives to the Upper room areas was probably about more than a one-half mile. So, this requires several minute walk.
After the disciples returned to Jerusalem according to Luke reckoning, they apparently often went to the Temple and praised God publicly, and they boldly testifying what they had seen with their eyes and what they have learned from Jesus. We need to see the simple obedience to the Word of God, specifically to go back and wait, that is the thing that leads to the incredible blessings. These disciples of the Lord are not after of some limelight assignment or not excited of some glamorous job, but this simple command to go back and wait for the power of the Spirit that would come and fill them. Obedience becomes a key to greatness.
If we cannot obey the little things for God which are considered by some as seemingly insignificant commands of God, we will never do the big things for God. Sometimes, the will of God for us is to wait awhile. Simply learn to wait on God’s perfect time. The apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives after Jesus ascension as their Master instructed them to do. That is perfect obedience.
II - PLACE OF ASSEMBLY – v.13 Acts 1:13 “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James."
Mga Gawa 1:13 "Nang sila'y makapasok sa lunsod, umakyat sila sa silid sa itaas na doon ay nakatira sina Pedro, Juan, Santiago at Andres, Felipe at Tomas, Bartolome at Mateo, si Santiago na anak ni Alfeo, si Simon na Makabayan, at si Judas na anak ni Santiago." FILIPINO VERSION
The apostles went to the upper room where they had been meeting together for religious purposes.
The phrase “when they were come in” in Greek [eiseelthon (G1525)] it is rather, “when they had entered it,” that is, entered the city; not entered the house.
When the disciples of the Lord were come in or arrived in the city of Jerusalem, It says “they went up into an upper room” – [to (G3588) huperooon (G5253)] – rather, “the upper room,” The word ὑπερῷον huperoōn, here translated “upper room,” occurs only four times in the New Testament: Act 9:37, “She (Dorcas) was sick and died; whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber” (see also Act 9:39); Act 20:8, “And there were many lights in the upper chamber where they were gathered together.”
It would be better translated “into the upper room,” The noun in the Greek text contains the article “the” (το σπερωον) “the upper room” (NASB, ESV) indicating this was a specific upper room for their meeting place. This probably no other than that "large upper room" (Luke 22:12) where, as this same writer of the book of Acts, Saint Luke tells us, that their glorified Lord Jesus had so lately celebrated with the disciples their Passover and Eucharistic Supper. There was in Jerusalem an upper room in which the apostles had been used to assemble with their Lord, where they had eaten the last supper with Him, and where perhaps they had assembled since Christ’s resurrection, and been favoured with their Master’s company.
Charles John Ellicott is best known for his renowned Bible Commentary, as one of the most outstanding conservative scholars of the 18th century, had comments, that the room may have been the same as that in which the Paschal Supper had been eaten (Mark 14:15). On the other hand, that room seems to have been different from that in which the disciples had lodged during the Paschal week (easter week), and to have been chosen specially for the occasion (Luke 22:8). Ellicott says, the word used is also different in form. According to his commentary, he says that so far for us to be able to distinguish between the two words, the room of the Paschal Supper was on the first floor, the guest-chamber, that was used for meals; and that room in which the disciples now met to together to wait for the promise of the Father which is pouring of the Holy Spirit power was on the second floor, on the upper room, or loft, which was used for retirement, convenience, devotion and prayer.
Notice the next words “where abode,” in Greek [eesan (G2258) katamenontes (G2650)] – it is not “had lived,” but 'had for their meeting place'. This does not mean that this was their permanent habitation; but they remained there waiting for the descent of the Holy Spirit. This was a room in the house probably of one of the disciples, where the holy company of Lord’s disciples was accustomed to meet. We have the fullest proofs that the upper chamber in private houses were used by the Jews for the purpose of reading the law, and also for the purpose of gathering together for conference on religious agendas. Therefore, the upper room here mentioned seems to have been the place where all the apostles usually met together and held their meetings. The upper rooms, so frequently mentioned in Scripture, were upper chambers in the highest part of the houses, set apart by the Jews for prayer, designated to be used for devotion, or as a place where to lay the dead before burial, or occasionally for conversation, etc. Here it evidently means the place where they were assembled for prayer and devotion. Such a room many of the richer and more devout Jews used to have in their houses for religious exercises. These, on account of their being so retired and convenient, the apostles now used this place of upper room for all the offices and religious purposes. This is most probably a private house.
Notice that after their return from Mount Olivet, it is said in Luke 24:53 that “they were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.” It is interesting that these apostles do not initially go to the Temple; they go to some private house and specifically back to the Upper Room. Some have supposed that the upper room here designated was one of the rooms in the temple. But there is no evidence of that, and it is not very probable. Such a room as that here referred to was a part of every house, especially in Jerusalem; and the disciples probably selected one where they might be together, and yet so retired that they might be safe from the Jews. The expression used in Luke 24:53, “They were continually - διαπαντός diapantos - in the temple,” signifies no more than that this was a frequent or customary resort of the disciples; they were always in the temple at the usual seasons of devotion, or they were in the constant habit of resorting thither. it would seem that the disciples spent the greater part of each day in the Temple worshipping God as they continually praising and blessing God for the joy because they have seen personally that Christ had risen and before the ascension of the Lord they have learned lots of truths as full of instructions from their Master, and then they met together in the evening as they gathered together and meet in an upper room (Luke 24:53).
Then again in verse 13, eleven names mentioned namely “both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.” On the lists of the twelve apostles, look on Matthew 10:2-4 “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.” Noticeably, 1.) that Andrew stands last in the group of the first four, which is divided from his brother, thus agreeing with the list in Mark 3:16-18 “And Simon he surnamed Peter; 17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: 18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,”; 2.) that Philip is in like manner divided from Bartholomew and Thomas divided from Matthew; 3.) that Zelotes appears here as in Luke 6:15 “Simon called Zelotes”, instead of the Cananaean.
The list of names of elven apostle given here in verse 13, is one of four lists in the New Testament (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16 and Acts 1:13). Did you notice that in every list Peter is always first, Philip is always fifth, James the son of Alphaeus is always ninth, and Judas Iscariot, who does not show up in this list, is always last, and the reason that Judas Iscariot is missing from the list obviously because he is dead. Some of these men had been worldly before they met Christ. Peter, James and John came from the fishing business. Matthew had been a tax collector, and Simon had been a religious fanatic or zealot. Then other men are Andrew, Thomas, Bartholomew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Judas the son of James, we know very little about. None of these men we mentioned were prominent, famous, big names and impressive limelight personalities of the world, but these eleven had personally experienced the grace of God and God would use them mightily to change the world.
The apostles went to the upper room where they had been meeting together for religious purposes. That is the place of assembly. As the disciples are waiting for the promise of the Father that the Holy Spirit would come to empower them for task given them, Likewise, let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as we wait for our blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
III – PRAYER IN UNITY – v.14 Acts 1:14 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."
Mga Gawa 1:14 "Sama-samang itinalaga ng lahat ng mga ito ang kanilang sarili para sa pananalangin, kasama ang mga babae at si Maria na ina ni Jesus, at ang kanyang mga kapatid." FILIPINO VERSION
The apostles were united in prayer and continuing in prayer.
It is clear in verse 14 that along with these eleven apostles were “the women,” plus Mary the Mother of Jesus, and His brothers namely James, Joseph, Simon and Judas (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). More than likely “the women” who were among Luke’s chief informants would be identified to be Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, (Luke 8:1-3), probably also with them were Salome, Martha of Bethany, possibly also the woman that had been a sinner (Luke 7:37) and also perhaps including Jesus’ sisters (Matthew 13:56; Mark 6:3), these are women who had supported the Lord ministry and the ministry of the apostles. Some says, that these “women” can be possibly includes the wives of the apostles since Peter and Philip were married, among the apostles, and it is likely that many of the seventy disciples had wives also and most likely those other women who are witnesses of Christ resurrection. It is probable that these women continued to share the work and the sufferings of the growing Church at Jerusalem, living together, perhaps at Bethany, in a kind of sisterhood. The persecution headed by Saul was likely to disperse them for a time, and some may well have been among the “women” who suffered in it (Acts 8:3); but they may have returned when it ceased. Luke, the writer of Acts, when he came to Palestine, would seem to have met with one or more of these women and very possible some of thees women became Luke's informants. Included in the upper room praying were Jesus near kinsmen (brothers and sisters in the flesh), who for some time did not believe; probably not till near, or even after, the time of his death are now in the upper room spending prayer in unity. The last mention of the “brethren” had shown them as still unbelieving (John 7:5 “For not even his brothers believed in him.”). This is the first satisfactory evidence we have of the piety of these interesting persons, Jesus’ relatives in the flesh, the brethren of our Lord were all present in this assembly, joining in prayer and supplication, and waiting to see what the Lord would do. the brethren of our Lord. What a blessed scene and opportunity to have your family and relatives with you when you go to a worship place and prayer meetings and supporting the ministry of the Lord. How about you? How's your family in the Lord?
Concerning Mary, the mother of Jesus, was last heard in (Luke 8:19; John 19:25-27) and here in Acts 1:14, this is the last reference in the Scriptures about her and the last glimpse we get of her is that she is united in prayer and she is in careful understanding and application of God’s Word with those believers who are devoted to the Lord in prayer and the Word. Notice that the last glimpse we get of Mary the mother of Jesus here is not in some idolatrous respect, but as part of the group of disciples of the Lord praying in unity and consistently.
Interestingly, when Jesus told the disciples to go and wait, and while they waited, the disciples decided to pray. Probably, they got this example from watching Jesus, they got the idea from the life of their Master who was always praying.
Listen, one of the best things to do when waiting for something is to pray continually and consistently. Some of us while waiting were tempted to do something, plan something, decided for something, run to someone, although it seems nothing wrong with that but we must be careful to have perfect obedience, total obedient, so when the Lord says "wait" we must learn to wait and not be weary (Isaiah 40:31). Wait on His will.
These disciples of Jesus did not just pray; they prayed in unity, they prayed specifically and prayed constantly.
Believers of God needs to be united in prayer and continual prayer because it is an important key when they are on the verge of new things, facing difficulties and impossibilities. All who are inside the upper room were united in prayer.
In fact, the word “one accord” KJV, ESV translated “one mind” in NASB, in Greek (ομοθσμαδον) means they were all praying with one mind, with one accord, with a sense of togetherness, in unity. There are two ingredients to powerful prayer and these are: one mind and perseverance.
These disciples of the Lord were praying in a united way for something very specific, probably for the coming of the Holy Spirit to empower them for the challenging great work of God as God promised them. They have great task assigned in their shoulder, to do the mandate of spreading the good news or the gospel of Christ, to these whole world that is spiritually darkened blinded to the truths. They can not accomplish anything by their own. They need power from on high, power of God, power of the Gospel, power of the Holy Spirit of God to do the difficult, and big responsibilities given to them. They are praying and waiting of that promise. The prayer thus offered may be thought of as specially directed to the “promise of the Father” (v.4).
God can find hiding-places for his people. The disciples are the midst of hot-hatred, persecutors, Jewish people and plus the government that leads to the crucifixion of their Master. They prayed together in the upper room. All God's people are praying people. It was now a time of trouble and danger with the disciples of Christ; but if any is afflicted, let him pray; that will silence cares and fears.
The eleven apostles with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with Jesus’ brothers and sisters is doing more than just praying together because they were all praying for the same purposes and agreeing to pray for the same things. They were continually praying for the promise that the Holy Spirit empowerment. They prayed united. How about our church members are they joining our church corporate prayers with the fellow brethren?
They had now a great work to do as God instructed them, and before they entered upon that great task, they were earnest in prayer to God for His presence. They were waiting for the descent of the Spirit, and so they all abounded in prayer. Those are in the best frame to receive spiritual blessings, are those believers who are in a praying frame. Christ had promised shortly to send the Holy Ghost upon them; and that promise was not to do away prayer or made them quit, or made their hands down and cease to pray and become busy doing what we can, but waiting to God's promise in our prayers is to quicken and encourage the be more consistent and continual in prayer.
We can have major prayer power at work, if we can get 120 plus people united to continually pray for something like in the upper room. United prayer and continual prayer for a few days in a row can touch the heart of God and can move God to so some amazing things that we never knew, for with God nothing is impossible, for with God nothing is too hard. If the church can get unanimity in prayer meetings and perseverance in prayer meetings, we can unleash the power of God. If we have studied the history of revivals in the church, one thing we observed that they have always been preceded by times of great prayer by Christians who devoted in united and continual prayers. Some illustration of revival caused by prayers are: The revival that amazingly happened in America in New York in 1858, it started with a prayer meeting of six people. After six months there were 10,000 businessmen in New York meeting to pray, and within two years, there were one million people who got saved by repenting their sins and have faith on Jesus Christ as their Savior. Another illustration: One of the things that caused Charles Spurgeon (Pastor of Metropolitan Tabernacle in London for 38 years) ministry to explode was that people would come by the church every day and pray. People would gather to pray and thousands were saved in London and thousands wanted to go to the very church in which they were praying to hear God’s Word preached.
This is a great for every Christian church, that if we can encourage and can get handful of people to get together to pray for their church and for the city where they were located, powerful things can happen at new levels. If we have tried to get together our church members to pray and some don’t think that corporate prayers is as important as their getting together for other reasons like attending family reunion, attending graduation day, attending wedding day, attending birthdays, and others. However, when you studied, meditate this book of Acts, and if we get some ladies and men to regularly get together to pray of our church and for our barangays, for our city, God will graciously pour out His Spirit in new powerful ways, like what these early disciples and churches had done. Prayer in unity. The apostles were united in prayer and continuing in prayer.
- - - - - Continuation Part 2 - - - - -
IV – PERSISTENT IN KNOWING AND PRACTICE OF THE WORD OF GOD – v.15-26 The apostles and the others were united in wanting to know and apply God’s Word.
Somewhere near the years of A.D. 170-200, in the Roman Catholic Church, there was a theory surfaced called “Apostolic Succession”. According to that theory, Roman took the position that the Lord Jesus had appointed the Apostle Peter as the key Apostle. And from Peter there will have a series of successors who would become earthly representatives of Jesus Christ.
Somewhere near the years of A.D. 170-200, a theory surfaced in the Roman Catholic Church called “Apostolic Succession.” Rome took the position that the Lord had appointed Peter as the key apostle and Peter was to have a series of successors who would become earthly representatives of Jesus Christ. Hence, Rome said that the Roman bishops and priests were the successors of the Apostle Peter. That Rome idea about a line of successors that existed was in part that was based on this passage in the book of Acts.
Three possibilities to the idea of apostolic succession but only one possible reality:
1. If a church could trace back to the apostles, there could have an ecclesiastical succession. But, in churches history there are none.
2. If a line of bishops could trace back to the apostles, there could have a leadership succession. But in the second century, all lists that were actually linked to the apostles terminated, so there is none. In Church history, there are big gaps.
3. If the instruction that was given by the apostles could be maintained, there could have a doctrinal succession. As we study systematically and accurately the books of the Bible, we could have a doctrinal succession. This is what we actually have and strive to have in our church.
When we come to this portion section of the book of Acts, we do come to a real apostolic succession choice of a man as Judas replacement.
Acts 1:15 “And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)”
Mga Gawa 1:15 “At nang mga araw na ito, tumindig si Pedro sa gitna ng mga kapatid at nagsabi (at nagkakatipon ang maraming tao, na may isandaan at dalawampu),” FILIPINO VERSION
The group had been spending time in fervent prayer, “and in those days” which means, one of the days intervening between the ascension of Jesus and the day of Pentecost.
Then the Apostle Peter “stood up” means standing up or rising for this is a customary expression in the Scriptures when begins to do a thing (example: the prodigal son - Luke 15:18 “I will arise and go to my father”). The reason why Peter stood up may be seen in (Matthew 16:16-17, this is Peter confession about Christ). Peter comes forward as leader so Peter “stood up.” The first to whom the risen Lord appeared was naturally their leader; though Acts does not mention this, Luke does (Luke 24:24-34) (1 Corinthians 15:5-6). Probably, Peter was the most aged of the apostles and was the most ardent. So, it is Peter who introduce the business of the election of new apostle. Peter makes an incredible interpretation and application of the Old Testament Scripture that was based on Davidic Psalms. We trust that this was truly led by God because there is no other way that Peter could have ever done this on his own.
“Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples,” this was the name which was given to them as being learners in the school of Christ (Matthew 5:1). The true reading here is “in the midst of the brethren” [ton (G3588) adelfoon (G80)].
Then when Peter stood up “and said,”, Peter here assuming that leading position among the apostles to which he had all along been destined (John 1:42; Matthew 16:16-18), for which all in the upper room seem to have been quite prepared of Peter’s leading position. The speaker, Peter felt that his offense against the Lord had been fully forgiven, and he was now restored by the charge given to him by Jesus to his former position as guide and leader of the other disciples, like in John 21:15-17. To faithfully accomplish that assignment, there must be a worthier fruit of repentance than any public confession of his guilt. Probably, Peter had previously confessed his fault, either to special friend apostle John, or probably to the whole company of Apostles and other disciples.
We notice in the upper room there were “the number of the names,” refers to the number of the persons, or individuals. The word “name” is often used to denote “the person” (Revelation 3:4; Acts 4:12; Acts 18:15; Ephesians 1:21).
The number of persons in the upper room were “together” [epi (G1909) to (G3588) auto (G846)] – that is not “in all,” but that means “in the same place,” or “met together” (as the same phrase means in Acts 2:1 “one accord in one place”; Acts 2:44 “all that believed were together,”; Acts 3:1 “together into the temple”; Acts 14:1 “together into the synagogue”; Luke 17:35 “grinding together”).
It tells us the number of persons “were about an hundred and twenty,” many, therefore, of the “five hundred brethren” who saw their risen Lord “at once” in Galilee (I Corinthians 15:6) must have continued there, and the number here mentioned including only as many as were congregated with the eleven in the upper room probably included the Seventy of Luke 10:1, perhaps also Joseph of Arimathæa and Nicodemus, awaiting the Father’s promised descent of the Holy Spirit power. In Syriac it is, “the assembly of people that was about a hundred and twenty.” This was the first assembly convened to transact the business of the church and it is not a little remarkable that the vote in so important a matter as electing apostle was by the entire church. In this election they did not proceed rashly: the nominated individual must be a full witness, from the baptism of John till the day that the Saviour ascended, and able to attest his resurrection; else he could not authoritatively testify of Christ. There were about a hundred and twenty present, this cannot mean that there were no more Christians, but that these were all that had convened in the upper room. Certainly, our Saviour Jesus Christ had by His own ministry brought many others to be His true believers. It is very likely that most of the disciples who met our Lord in Galilee after his resurrection, did either live in Galilee, in the remotest parts of Judea, or in Samaria, and were not now in Jerusalem.
The Mishnah (in Hebrew: “Repeated Study”, plural Mishnayot, the oldest authoritative post-biblical collection and codification of Jewish oral laws, systematically compiled by numerous scholars (called tannaim) over a period of about two centuries) says a town must have 120 inhabitants to have a council, and the officers must be one-tenth of the whole. It was among the whole company which amounted to one hundred and twenty, for this was remarkably the number which the Jews required to form a council in any city. This one hundred and twenty that was chosen out of the many who had been already converted by our Lord Jesus ministry, with the presence of the apostles, and the seventy whom Christ had sent forth two and two to preach (Luke 10:1). They formed a complete council in presence of which the important agenda of electing a substitute person in the place of Judas will be their topic of their transaction.
Two things that Peter revealed about Judas:
A. Remembering Judas – v.16-19
We need to remember Judas Iscariot.
Judas represents one who was very close to Jesus Christ but have no actual relationship with Jesus Christ. The actual crime that Judas guilty of is spiritual rejection. Judas physical appearance have no what others think as a satanic man who is dark and looks horrible. If you look at Judas outwardly possibly you would have said that he is a very respectable apostle of Jesus Christ. However, Judas is the exact example of someone who profess as a believer but does not possess a real relationship with Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Four facts that we can remember about Judas:
The first thing we can remember Judas is...
1. Judas the actual guide who led those who arrested Jesus Christ – v.16
Acts 1:16 “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.”
Mga Gawa 1:16 “Mga kapatid, kailangang matupad ang kasulatan, na ipinahayag noong una ng Espiritu Santo sa pamamagitan ni David tungkol kay Judas, na siyang nanguna sa mga humuli kay Jesus.” FILIPINO VERSION
Peter speaks to “Men and Brethren.” Literally, “men brethren” (Acts 2:29; Acts 7:2)), or better rendered, “brethren” only, the word being used as in Septuagint of Genesis 13:8. This is a customary mode of address, implying affection and respect (Acts 13:26). The Syriac (the language of ancient Syria, a western dialect of Aramaic in which many important early Christian texts are preserved, and which is still used by Syrian Christians as a liturgical language) renders it more appropriately “Men, our brethren,” than by the introduction of the conjunction “and.”
Then Peter said, “this scripture” this is a prediction contained in the writings of the Old Testament as an example in (John 5:39). Peter refers commonly supposed to the passage recorded in Psalm 41:9 “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” This expression obviously applied to Judas by our Savior in John 13:18 “but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.” However, it seems clear that the reference we have here in Acts is not to the Psalm 41 but to the passage in Psalm 69:25 “Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.” which Peter proceeds to quote in Acts 1:20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.” The actual words of this "Scripture" are reserved by the historian until the writer has recorded the account which Peter gave of that wretched man, after which the writer brings them in at Acts 1:20). We have here the first example in the book of Acts of the application of OT passages to Christian things. Two passages from Psalms are applied to Judas, whose place is now to be filled. It is assumed that there is a fixed number of apostles, and that the number is to be kept up. Judas (Acts 1:17) was one of the twelve; Psalms 69:25 proves that there is a vacancy in their number, and Psalms 109:8 that the vacancy must be filled. It is necessary that these prophecies should be fulfilled. In Scripture, we can find that one can be a religious blind guide (Matthew 15:14), a religious sinful guide (Romans 2:19-27), a good godly guide (Hebrews 13:7), and here a religious traitor guide (Acts 1:16). Three of the four types of guides cannot ever lead people to a real relationship with God, but they are very real and very religious, and they are scattered everywhere deceiving people. Think of Judas as a guide. What potential Judas had; what opportunity Judas wasted.
Speaking of Scriptures, Peter said the Scripture “must needs have been fulfilled,” means the scripture would certainly be fulfilled. There was no any physical necessity or any constraints but it could occur so that the prediction of God would be fulfilled. We can see the freedom of Judas in doing it. A man will be as free in wickedness if it be foretold that he will be wicked, like as if it had never been known to anybody but himself. This Scriptures has been fulfilled to what Judas had wickedly done against Christ. However, according to one commentary, it says that two prophecies are afterward quoted for this purpose, that Acts 1:20 comes from Psalms 69:25; Psalms 109:8; and it has been matter of much debate, whether they do, in their original sense, refer to Judas or to the enemies of David. And that commentator said that it is certain that Psalm 69 is not to be confined to Judas; for Paul (Romans 11:9-10) has quoted the Psalm 69:22-23 as applicable to the unbelieving Jews in general. But Peter speaks that the Scriptures “must needs have been fulfilled” and those passages in Psalms have more applicable to Judas’ betrayal of Christ.
The Scriptures certainly would be accurately fulfilled as “the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake,” this is a strong attestation to the Divine inspiration of David and Divine inspiration of the book of Psalms and accords with the uniform testimony of the New Testament, that the sacred writers spoke as they were moved or they were dictated by the Holy Spirit (II Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”), and spoken by the mouth of David. Here, the disciples had already been taught that the Holy Spirit which their Lord had promised to them had before spoken by the prophets.
What the Holy Spirit spoke by the mouth of David was “concerning Judas” (Acts 1:20).
According to Peter’s speech, the Spirit spake by the mouth of David about the evil works of Judas “which was guide.” The word “guide” [in Greek “hodēgou” G3595 (ὁδηγοῦ)] refers to the actual leader who guides and leads the way. Judas was the guide and led straightly the enemies who arrested Jesus Christ. Judas guides and leads great multitude with swords and staves, lanterns and torches and weapons (Matthew 26:47; John 18:3). The actual word “guide” is not found in the Gospel narrative, but it appears as a fact in all four, notably in the gospel of John (John 18:2-3).
The second thing we can remember Judas is… 2. Judas was an apostle and received portion of everything apostolic - v.17 Judas was counted as an apostle and received his portion with the apostles. Acts 1:17 “For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.”
Mga Gawa 1:17 “Sapagkat siya'y ibinilang sa atin at siya'y tumanggap ng kanyang bahagi sa paglilingkod na ito.” FILIPINO VERSION
Literally, “the lot of this ministry” but the word is used of anything allotted to a person in whatever way. Better, rendered “the portion, or inheritance.” Judas obtained the lot of this ministry, and Judas including any of the twelve apostles was not chosen to this ministry by lot, but as lot signifies the portion a man has in life, what comes to Judas in the means of the Divine providence, or as an especial gift of God’s goodness, and it is used here as in many other parts of the sacred writings, to signify office or station. On this subject, we can refer to on Leviticus 16:8 “And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.”; Leviticus 16:9 “And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering.”; Joshua 14:2 “By lot was their inheritance, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.” Acts 1:26 “And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” The Greek has the article, in English the article is “and”, and the noun (cleros) is one which afterwards acquired a special half-technical sense in the words, clerus, clericus, “clerk,” “clergy” We can see that I Peter 5:3, as being “lords over God’s heritage,” or “lords over the heritage,” we find it in a transition sense (Acts 1:25 “That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”).
Peter continues his speech concerning Judas and said “He was numbered with us,” Peter was saying that Judas was chosen as an apostle by the Lord Jesus (Luke 6:13-16). This does not mean that Judas was a true Christian, but that Judas was reckoned among the apostles, Long before Judas betrayed Jesus, the Lord Jesus declared that Judas was a devil (John 6:70 “Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?”). Judas may have felt some remorse born of fear, which caused Judas to return the money to the Pharisees, but Judas never repented, preferring instead to commit suicide (Matthew 27:5-8). Jesus knew Judas whole character when Jesus chose Judas (John 2:24-25 “But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.”).
It is very possible for anyone to be numbered among other believers and even handle other ministers in the church and be a phony. Judas-types join religious organizations but they do not have a heart right with God. Judas received a physical appointment and portion of everything apostolic, but he did not have the spirituality and heart that was truly right with God. Are you?
The third thing we can remember Judas is… 3. Judas acquired a field with the wicked money and died in the field - v.18 Judas acquired a field by the wicked money and ultimately died in the field. Acts 1:18 “Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.”
Mga Gawa 1:18 “(Bumili nga ang taong ito ng isang bukid mula sa kabayaran ng kanyang kasamaan; at nang bumagsak ng patiwarik ay pumutok ang kanyang tiyan, at sumambulat ang lahat ng kanyang mga lamang loob.” FILIPINO VERSION
Some theologian says that verses 18-19 make no part of Peter's speech, and are a parenthetical piece of information, inserted by the historian, But the connecting particles and the rhetorical form of the passage seem to forbid this view, so we regard these two verses 18-19 as part of the apostle's speech. Peter's aim in this part of his speech seems to have been-first, to call attention to the punishment providence which brought Judas to his miserable end in the very field which was purchased with the reward of his iniquity; and next, to point out the remarkable fulfillment of Scripture in case of Judas.
“Now this man” Peter is referring to Judas, the man who received money which was given for betraying the Lord Jesus, and the wicked money was thrown down in the temple, and the field was purchased with it by the Jewish priests. (Matthew 27:5 “And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself”; Matthew 27:10 “And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.”). A man is said often to do a thing when he furnishes means for doing it.
Peter speech says that Judas “purchased a field,” better translated, “acquired” (NASB; ESV), or “got possession of, a field,” the Greek not necessarily including the idea of buying. On the difficulties presented by a comparison of this account with that in (Matthew 27:5-8 “And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.”). Here the field bought with Judas’s money is spoken of as that which Judas gained as the reward of his treachery. Probably Judas did not purchase the field himself, but the money for which he sold his Lord was thus applied, (Matthew 27). The price which he had for that deed of stupendous wickedness - the betraying of the Lord Jesus. It is possible, however, that Judas might have plan to purchase a field or piece of ground with this reward of his iniquity, and might have been in treaty for it, though Judas did not close the bargain agreement, as himself bringing the money to the treasury proves: the priests, knowing Judas intentions, might have completed the purchase, and as Judas was now dead, applied the field therefore was bought for the burial of strangers, like the Jews from foreign parts, or others who, visiting Jerusalem, had died there.
Notice the phrase “and falling headlong,” The word here rendered “headlong” (Latin “pronus” whence our English word “prone”). It means properly “bent forward, head-foremost”; and the idea is, that his position in hanging himself was such that when the cord broke or the rope, probably, on which Judas hung suspended giving way, so he fell headlong, or fell forward on his face. This can easily be supposed if he threw himself from a rock or elevated place. Judas first hanged himself, and then fell and was burst asunder (Matthew 27:5). Judas burst asunder in the midst, or translated“burst open in the middle” NASB; ESV. it is lighting, perhaps, on some sharp rock.
The disgusting scene of Judas end “and all his bowels gushed out” or “and all his intestines gushed out.” NASB. The two ending accounts of the traitor Judas, differ only in this, that the details are given here by Luke, from Peter's lips while they were yet fresh, whereas Matthew, writing long after, records the fact only in general terms. Some have seen a discrepancy between this statement which says Judas acquired a field with the money and fell headlong over a cliff and when Judas hit the ground his insides burst out, and Matthew 27:5-10, which says that Judas hanged himself and the chief priests used the money to purchase a Potter’s Field. And the other different statement is that when Judas gave his 30 pieces of silver back to the religious leaders, they purchased a Potter’s Field and that was the area where he died. Judas hung himself out over a hill and the rope or branch ultimately broke and Judas tumbled headfirst down the hill and landed on rocks that hit Judas in his midsection and burst open so that Judas’s insides gushed out. Thomas Walker said this area is known for rocks that would easily split open any who landed on them. These two accounts are “supplementary not contradictory.”
The fourth thing we can remember Judas is… 4. Judas’ action was known by all people who dwelled in Jerusalem – v.19 Judas’ action was known by all people of all languages who lived in Jerusalem. Acts 1:19 “And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.”
Mga Gawa 1:19 “At ito'y nahayag sa lahat ng mga naninirahan sa Jerusalem; kaya't tinawag ang bukid na iyon sa kanilang wika na Akeldama, na ang kahulugan ay, ‘Ang Bukid ng Dugo’.)” FILIPINO VERSION
The words “it was known” or better rendered “became known.”
The scene in the temple was known, the acts of the priests in purchasing the field was known, and the name of the field that would preserve the memory of the guilt of Judas was known. All these things were known by all the people who lived in Jerusalem.
The action of Judas “was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem.” Judas may felt some remorse (but never repented), Judas dying testimony in behalf of our Lord’s innocence, and Judas tragical death, all of these were publicly known, as was also the transaction about the purchase of the field, and hence the name was arose by which at was publicly known. These circumstances must have lessened the credit of the chief priests, and have prepared the public mind to received the Gospel of the kingdom, when preached to them after the day of Pentecost. The fact that what was done by Judas was public and notorious, and, the circumstance as being extraordinary, it was so much noticed as to become the subject of general conversation, that is why it was known to all who lived in Jerusalem.
Regarding the purchased field by the priests, it says, “insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue”. The proper tongue that is, the Aramaic or the language spoken by the Jews, the Syro-Chaldaic tongue. This proper tongue was not the Hebrew that had long ceased to be the proper tongue in Palestine, it was a sort of Chaldaio-Syriac which was commonly spoken. Aceldama is composed of two Syro-Chaldaic words, and means literally signifies “the field of blood” because it was bought by the price of the life or blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Aceldama, [Akeldama (G184) = chªqil (H2506) dªmaa' (H1818)]. The field is called “in their proper tongue.” — Literally, in their own dialect. The word is used frequently in the Acts (Acts 2:6 “Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.”; Acts 2:8 “And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”; Acts 21:40 “And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,”), but not elsewhere in the New Testament.
This expression “in their proper tongue” or “in their own language” (NASB; ESV; NKJV), that is, “The field of blood.” Some says that, Luke the writer seems to have added to the words of Apostle Peter the phrase “The field of blood”, for the use of Theophilus and other readers who did not understand Hebrew or the language of Palestine, and some critics said, that the whole verse 19 is to be considered as Luke's words, and to be read in a parenthesis. The writer Matthew (Matthew 27:8) says that this name “Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood” was given to the field from its having been bought with the purchase-money of the blood, not of Judas, but of his Master Jesus, and, in effect, Judas own blood. But as the catastrophe here recorded gave it another claim to that dreadful name, some probably would connect the name with the one deed, and some with the other. Everyone knew about the “Field of Blood” that had been purchased with the betrayal money of Judas. It is no wonder that most people of the world today know of the name Judas.
Notice that you do not find the apostles and the others sitting around in depression moaning about the suicide and death of Judas Iscariot. They had a great job to do for God and they needed to get busy and focus at it.
- - - - continuation - Part 3 - - - -
Two things that Peter revealed about Judas: A. Replacing Judas – v.20-22 We need to replace Judas.
Jesus taught these apostles that there were twelve thrones and twelve tribes of Israel and that the apostles would sit on those thrones. The correspondence of twelve number of Apostles with the number of the tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28 “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel“). There will be a list of “twelve names of the twelve apostles of the lamb”, at time when the New Jerusalem is constructed (Revelation 21:14). To make up the number of twelve, which the number first chosen by Christ, answering to the twelve tribes of Israel. They might reasonably suppose that that number of the apostles, appointed by Christ, should be kept up; Since Judas was gone and the number of apostles is and has been twelve when Christ chosen them, so Peter says we need another apostle to replace Judas.
Two points Peter makes for Judas’ replacement: The first point of Peter in replacing Judas is... 1. Biblical basis – v.20 Acts 1:20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.”
Gawa 1:20 “Sapagkat nasusulat sa aklat ng Mga Awit, ‘Hayaang mawalan ng tao ang kanyang tahanan, at huwag bayaang tumira doon ang sinuman;’ at, ‘Hayaang kunin ng iba ang kanyang katungkulan.” FILIPINO VERSION
There is a Biblical basis for the apostolic replacement as Peter said, "For it is written in the book of Psalm,"
The calling of twelve apostles was based on prophetic revelation written in Old Testament Scriptures. In the book of the Gospel of Luke, we may recall that the writer Luke ended his writings by saying that Jesus Christ taught these apostles and opened their minds to understand all things written about Christ that were written in the law, the prophets, and the Psalms in the Old Testament (Luke 24:44-45).
Peter said in verse 16, that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David, concerning of things that would happen concerning Judas. Peter shows that the Holy Spirit spoke through the inspired writings of David because David wrote both Psalm 69 and Psalm 109.
Peter remembered the instruction as he speaks “For it is written in the books of Psalms”, we have now at length the actual words of 'this scripture, which behoved to be fulfilled concerning Judas,' for Peter statements in verse 20 “Let this habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein” specifically referred from David’s Psalm 69:25 “Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents” and Peter statements “and his bishoprick let another take” was based from Psalm 109:8 “Let his days be few; and let another take his office.” And then those two Psalms were connected to Jesus Christ, specifically in choosing another apostle for replacement of Judas. The Psalm 69 spoke of Judas’ defection, death, and damnation, while Psalm 109 spoke of selecting a replacement of Judas. As the disciples waited for the promise of the Father concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit, they were carefully studying the word by word of the written Word of God. Peter purpose in his speech is to show that the disciples should not be staggered by the treachery of Judas, and the seeming failure of their hopes. The Psalms of David mentioned by Peter had represented the righteous sufferer as the victim of treachery. The Psalms had also spoken of the traitor as receiving a righteous punishment such as had now fallen upon Judas. So, what happened is no longer strange thing and was not accidental, for that scriptures was fresh in Peter’s memory and that was what they had heard and known.
The words “and his bishoprick let another take.” That is, the apostleship of Judas. Better rendered as in Psalm 109:8 “let another take his office.” The word “bishoprick” in Greek is [episkopeen (G1984) from Septuagint and in English “office” or “charge”, the office is one of ministry; not of tables only, but of the Word (Acts 6:2-4). Then the words “let another take,” in Greek [labetoo (G2983), not laboi (G2983), of the Received Text or Textus Receptus]. The Received text or Textus Receptus is a printed Greek New Testament that is based on the vast majority of ancient hand-written New Testament manuscripts. The King James Version New Testament was translated from the Received Text, which was first published in 1516]. The Greek word “episkopeen” (G1984) that is, of course, in one sense, rightly translated by “bishoprick.” However, the term, so surrounded by associations not known to during the time of the apostles, that is why it is better to use the more general term, therefore, the use of neutral, which is term of the English version of the Psalm. Now the use of “bishoprick” is a tendency of the revisers of 1611 to maintain the use of “bishop” where the office seemed to be placed on a high level (like here in verse 20 and I Peter 2:25 “Bishop”), while they use the term “overseer” in Acts 20:28 and “oversight” in I Peter 5:2, where it is identified with the functions of the elders or presbyters of the church. “However, the term “Bishoprick” had been used in all previous versions except the 1599 Geneva bible version, which translates “charge.”
The words quoted from the Psalm 69 and Psalm 109:8 were originally spoken against the enemies of David; and as David, in certain particulars, was a type of Christ, the words are applied to a person in an especial manner who had sinned against his own soul and the life of his Master. In both quotations of these Psalms, however, the plural is converted into the singular, for the purpose of singling out for the application to Judas as one of those enemies or from among all the predicted enemies of Messiah. For as the apostle discerned in those psalms a greater than David, so he saw a worse than Ahithophel and his fellow-conspirators against their rightful king.
Again, there is a Biblical basis for the apostolic replacement as Peter said, “For it is written in the book of Psalm,” In every critical situations of our lives, we have the biblical basis in our decision making. May the bible be our guide in every step we make. Amen!
The second point of Peter in replacing Judas is… 2. Biblical qualification – v.21-22 There is a Biblical qualification for the apostolic replacement as in verses 21-22
Any possibility of someone claiming for being an apostle today will be clearly eliminated because of the qualifications mentioned in this passage. To be qualified, someone had to be intimately connected to the biblical qualifications as apostolic foundation.
Biblical qualifications for being an apostle: A. A true apostle had accompanied all of the apostles all the time when the Lord Jesus went in and out among them in that past days – v.21 Acts 1:21 “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,”
Gawa 1:21 “Kaya't isa sa mga taong nakasama namin sa buong panahong ang Panginoong Jesus ay kasama namin,” FILIPINO VERSION
“Wherefore of these men” referring to those who had witnessed the life and works of Christ, and who were therefore, qualified to discharge the duties of the office from which Judas fell. Probably Peter refers to the seventy disciples in Luke 10:1-2 “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” It is necessary to fill up this blank in the apostolate by a person who had been in eye witness of the acts of our Lord as Peter had said “which have companied with us.” From the glance at the guilt and punishment of Judas the traitor, Peter with a practical intelligence passes, to the one thing that was now needful for the work of the ministry in the establishing a church in Acts 2, that is the work of the Apostles. The Apostles, must present themselves to the people in their symbolic completeness in number being twelve, as sent to the twelve tribes of Israel, and the gap that was left by Judas the betrayer must be filled by one who is qualified, like the eleven, in order to bear witness of what had been said or done by their Master the Lord Jesus during His earthly ministry, and, above all, of Christ resurrection from the dead. That would seem to have been a condition of apostleship, even in Paul’s estimate (1 Corinthians 9:1 “Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?”).
Peter said, “the Lord Jesus went in and out among us” referring to someone who have associated and conversed
Intimately with the Apostles, and attended all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among them that means Jesus’ exercised His ministry among all of them and presided over them, and so they can testify of all Jesus Christ said and done. It also signifying that the Lord Jesus was their constant companion. The Hebrew phrase is about the whole of a man’s life and conduct. The Apostles were in close intimacies of a three years of Jesus public life. It expresses or includes in general all the actions of the life (Psalm 121:8; Deuteronomy 28:19; Deuteronomy 31:2).
B. A true apostle had been with all the apostles beginning from the baptism of John until the time Jesus ascended into heaven – v.22a Acts 1:22a “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us,”
Gawa 1:22a “magmula sa pagbabautismo ni Juan, hanggang sa araw na siya'y iakyat sa itaas mula sa atin” FILIPINO VERSION
John baptized the Lord Jesus and John was introduced to His disciples, and they were gathered for no other purpose than to have these disciples prepared to welcome John.
Peter clearly gives one of the qualifications for the potential replacement of Judas, which “Beginning from the baptism of John” in the original referred from the time that Christ was baptized by John in Jordan, for it was at that time that his public ministry properly began, and they must have been present in these last days until the time when Jesus was taken up on His Ascension. From those men who had during that time been the constant companions of the Lord Jesus must one be taken, who would thus be a witness of His whole ministry.
C. A true apostle had been an eyewitness with all the apostles to the resurrection of Christ – v.22b Acts 1:22b “must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”
Gawa 1:22b “isa sa mga ito'y dapat maging saksi na kasama natin sa kanyang muling pagkabuhay.” FILIPINO VERSION
The translation “must one be ordained” misleads every reader who cannot examine the original text. The Greek word usually denoting “ordination” is not used here. “To be” is the only word in the verse to which this interpretation can be applied. The word ordained would naturally lead most readers to suppose that some ecclesiastical rite was used on the occasion, such as imposition of hands. The word “ordained” means to set apart to a sacred office with proper forms and solemnities, commonly by the imposition of hands. But this is not, of necessity, the meaning of this passage. The expression is literally, “must one be, or become, γενέσθαι genesthai, a witness with us of his resurrection.” The expression does not imply that he must be set apart in any particular manner, but simply that one should be designated or appointed for this specific purpose, to be a witness of the resurrection of Christ. The apostles were ordained, not to wordly dignity and dominion, but to preach Christ, and the power of his resurrection. It was not enough to have seen the Lord Jesus alive after His passion: the candidate behoved to have been His constant follower from the very first to the very last, that from that candidate own personal knowledge he might be qualified to testify to that public life which the resurrected Christ had ascended, and those claims which it conclusively established. A candidate to be qualified, he must be a witness of a great and fundamental fact upon which the proof of Jesus being the Messiah evidently rests, and a witness of the circumstances which preceded and followed it.
There is a very important lesson here we should learn at the beginning of the Church age. We must be careful in putting spiritual defective and unsound someone in position of leadership. This apostolic replacement had to have established himself as faithful with the other faithful people of God in their assembly. Faithfulness comes first before ministry. It is required for steward to be faithful (I Corinthians 4:2).
V – PICKING BETWEEN TWO CANDIDATES – v.23-26 Acts 1:23 “And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias."
Gawa 1:23 “Kanilang iminungkahi ang dalawa, si Jose na tinatawag na Barsabas, na tinatawag ding Justo, at si Matias.” FILIPINO VERSION
The text says, “They appointed two”. The disciples proposed or nominated two. Not many more, probably be found among those men in the upper room, that have all the qualifications expressly demanded. It is not the eleven only, but the whole who were present in the meeting had appointed. The word “appointed” in Greek [esteesan (G2476)], it is rather presented, that is put before the apostles as candidates for the vacant office. These two were probably from among those of the seventy disciples, and well fitted to fill up the vacant place. These two were probably more distinguished by prudence, wisdom, piety, and age than the others, and they were so nearly equal in qualifications, these two having been most intimately acquainted with our Lord, or in being better qualified for the work than any of the rest, but the disciples knew not which to prefer, they could not determine which was the best suited for the office. It may be that the disciples themselves were divided in opinion which of these two was the most proper person, therefore the disciples laid the matter before God, that a choice person might decide it by casting of lot. We notice that not more than two candidates were presented, probably because the attention of the brethren had been drawn to those two alone.
The two appointed were named: “Joseph called Barsabas” It is not certainly known what the name Barsabas denotes. The Syriac word “Bar” means “son” and the word “Sabas” has been translated “an oath, rest, quiet, or captivity.” The reason why the name was given to Joseph is not known but probably it was the family name – Joseph son of Sabas. The name Barsabas means son of the oath or of wisdom. Some manuscripts read Joses Barnabas, making him the same with Joses Barnabas in Acts 4:36. But there is no proof besides the person mentioned here in our passage is distinguished and was a different from that person in Acts 4:36 and not to be confounded with Judas surnamed Barsabas mentioned in Acts 15:22. Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus. Justus is a Latin name, meaning just, and was probably because of his distinguished integrity. It was not unusual at this time for Jews to have Gentile names (Acts 13:9), or was not uncommon among the Jews for a man to have several names (Matthew 10:2-4). Some theologian and bible scholars suppose that Joseph called Barsabas was the son of Alpheus and brother of James the Less. Probably, Joseph called Barsabas was one of the Seventy.
Another appointed man was “Matthias” The name Matthias, like Matthew (Matthew 9:9) means the gift of Yahweh or gift of God, signified “given by Jehovah.” Nothing is known of the family and character of Matthias. We know nothing except that the lot fell upon him in the present case of replacement for Judas. Matthias was numbered with the apostles, and shared their lot in the toils, shared in their persecutions, and shared in the honors of preaching the gospel to mankind.
This is the selection between two potential candidates. Two men met the qualifications: Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias. Two steps in choosing the right man: A. The Step of Prayer – v.24-25 The book of ACTS has been used as an acrostic for prayer: A - Adoration; C - Confession; T - Thanksgiving; S - Supplication. Definitely, prayer will become an important part of Acts.
Their selection of apostolic replacement was bathed in prayer. Notice carefully to whom they address this prayer, “And they prayed and said, Thou, Lord” that is Jesus. Most of the time the pattern we use for prayer is we address to God the Father, through the name of God the Son, in the power of God the Spirit. But here in our text, prayer is one time when Christ is addressed.
Three ingredients to the apostolic prayer: 1. The Acknowledgment of God who knows the hearts of all men – v.24a Acts 1:24a “And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men,”
Gawa 1:24a “Sila'y nanalangin at nagsabi, “Panginoon, ikaw na nakakaalam ng puso ng lahat.” FILIPINO VERSION
The words, “And they prayed” If Peter was the speaker here, it seems probable from the expressions used that there is the change from the singular to the plural which we noticed as ("they prayed," not 'he prayed'); showing that before, they were listeners to Peter speech, but this prayer was the act of the whole assembly, only by one mouth. They prayed because the disciples could not agree on their individual opinion, so they invoked the direction of God in their choice. This is an example which should be followed in every selection of an individual who would exercise the duties of the sacred office of the ministry. They prayed with great seriousness and solemnity, and in faith, and they were persuaded that their prayer would be answered.
They called, “Thou, Lord,” [Su (G4771) Kurie (G2962)]. The word "Lord," placed absolutely, denotes in the New Testament almost universally THE SON'. We have here the first example of a prayer offered to the exalted Redeemer, furnishing indirectly the strongest proof of his divinity.
We can compare as they prayed, “Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men,” to the thrice repeated words of Peter to this same Lord, a few weeks before (John 21:15-17), so we confirmedly conclude that this prayer was uttered by Peter.
The Lord who knows the heart is invoked; The word καρδιογνωστης, the searcher of hearts, seems to be used here as an attribute of God; the Lord knows the hearts, the most secret purposes, intentions, and dispositions of all men; with all the plans of men, and desires thereof, with every secret sentiment of the soul, and all the future circumstances of every person’s life; God knows our weaknesses, motives, pretensions and sins, and because the Lord is the knower of hearts, the Lord knew the best which of the two is the more sincere (Jeremiah 17:10 “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”), this is God’s attributes (Psalm 139:1; Psalm 139:23; I Chronicles 28:9; Proverbs 15:11; I Samuel 16:7). Yet this attribute is also expressly ascribed to Jesus Christ, (Revelation 2:18 “These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;”; Revelation 2:23 “I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts:” (John 2:25; John 6:64; John 16:19). So, the Lord Jesus is God. The Lord knew which of these men He had qualified the best and will make the better apostle, by natural and gracious dispositions and powers, for the important work of the ministry to which one of the two was now to be appointed as the new apostle to replace Judas.
The reason why they appealed to the Lord on this occasion as the searcher of the heart was doubtless the great importance of the work to which the successor of Judas was to be called. One apostle of fair external character had proved a traitor; and, with this fact before them, they appealed to the Lord Jesus the Saviour to select one who would be true to Him, and not bring dishonor upon His cause like what Judas had done.
2. The Asking that God would show His choice of the next apostle – v.24b Acts 1:24b “shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,”
Gawa 1:24b “ipakita mo kung sino sa dalawang ito ang iyong pinili,” FILIPINO VERSION
They do not say, which of the seventy, although very possible the two are among the seventy men, because in the opinion of all present, none could stand in competition with these; they want the Lord to show which of the two. Their words "show whom thou hast chosen," are decisive. For the apostles are just Christ's messengers-it is the Lord Jesus Christ that sends them, and of the Lord Jesus it is that they bear witness. They are asking God to “show whether of these two thou has chosen,” In Greek [hon (G3739) exelexoo (G1586) ek (G1537) is the true order] - for though both of the two candidates possessed equally, perhaps, the qualifications demanded, only the Lord who knew the heart could tell which was the worthier to fill so important an office.
God knows everything, everyone, by God’s omniscience He already had His choice, God knows the best and what is best for us. God’s way is perfect. God’s judgment is always right. God knows the solution for our problems more than we know. God knows our needs more than we know we know our needs. We do not about tomorrow, but we know who hold our tomorrows. May always ask what is His will for our lives. May the Lord's will be done. Here, they are praying for the one that God has chosen, so they are asking God to reveal His chosen next apostle.
3. The Appeal to God because of the defection of Judas – v.25 Acts 1:25 “That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”
Gawa 1:25 “upang pumalit sa paglilingkod na ito at sa pagka-apostol na tinalikuran ni Judas, upang siya'y pumunta sa sarili niyang lugar.” FILIPINO VERSION
The phrase “That he may take part,” [in Greek kleeron (G2819, or in English 'take the place'] of this ministry, [according to what seems the preferable reading – ton (G3588) topon (G5117) tees (G3588) diakonias (G1248) tautees (G5026) from which, [af' (G575) hees (G3739) is the true reading].
When two words “ministry and apostleship” are used to express one thing that is an instance of figure of speech. It means the apostolic ministry.
They needed a twelfth apostle to occupy the ministry of the gospel of the apostleship, that may join with the rest of the apostles in the work of serving Christ and churches that will be founded, and glorifying God in saving the souls of men, and may share with other apostles in the honour and happiness being part of the gospel ministry. They are praying legitimately according to their legitimate need in the work.
The phrase “from which Judas by transgression fell,” The last three words are as a paraphrase of the one Greek verb. Better read, fell away. Judas had defected, become disloyal, turn traitor, rebel, and go over to the enemy.
The expression “from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place” Some interpreters have been referred the words “go to his own place” both to Matthias and Judas. Those who refer them to Matthias say that they mean that Judas fell so that Matthias might go to his own place, that is, to a place for which he was suited, or well qualified. But to this is not probable because Matthias was not yet appointed and there is no instance in which to go to his own place is applied to a successor in office.
The words “that he might go to his own place” evidently means a place worthy of Judas, on which Judas had deserved by his sin. The transgression referred to here was his treason and suicide.
This phrase "that he might go to hjs own place" has been variously expounded:
1.) Some suppose that the words, that he might go to his own place, are spoken of Judas, and his punishment in hell.
2.) Others refer them to the purchase of the field, made by the thirty pieces of silver for which he had sold our Lord. Judas abandoned the ministry and apostolate, that he might go to his own place, that which he had purchased.
3.) Others, state that his own place means his own house, or former occupation; Judas left this ministry and apostleship that he might resume his former employment in conjunction with his family,
4.) Others think it simply means the state of the dead in general, independently of either rewards or punishments as is probably meant by Ecclesiastes 3:20 that All go unto ONE PLACE: all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
Some manuscripts, instead of “his own”, read “just”, that Judas might go to his just or proper place, a place agreeable to Judas actions, therefore that was given to Judas by the righteous judgment of God, that is a place of punishment in hell, that is, to the place and state of lost souls. But it is objected because to pass sentence on Judas or to affirm anything of God’s secret thoughts concerning Judas’s future punishment do not belong to Peter. Christ had pronounced Judas “a devil” (John 6:70); “a son of perdition” (John 17:12) and declared “it had been good for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24), it should be thought of God that Judas went into a proper place for him, or due to, such miscreants. It says that Judas Fell, by his transgression, means sometime before his death: that which Judas’s crimes had deserved to go to his own place, and which Judas had freely chosen for himself voluntary and enormous wickedness, far from the other apostles, in the region of death.
There are lot of people who were selling out Jesus Christ for less than 30 pieces of silver. Many people even Christians selling the Lord Jesus in exchange for a little worldly pleasure or fleshly indulgencies, for Sunday’s appointment, for house works, and others. Some people even some Christians selling out Jesus Christ for money or sports. Whatever your selling price is, it is always a bad bargain. These people of today are worst than Judas the traitor, because their reasons of selling Jesus is much cheaper or lesser costs compared that of 30 pieces of silver which is a big amount on that day. There are lot of Judas of today’s world and even in the churches of God.
The character of an avaricious man in the church will be developed. Opportunities will occur when it will be seen and known by what principle that man is influenced. So, it was with Achan in Joshua 7:20-22; so it was with Judas; and so it will be with all. Instances or time will occur which will test the character, and show what manner of spirit a man is of. Every appeal to a man’s benevolence, every call upon his charity, shows what spirit influences him whether he is actuated by the love of gold, or by the love of Christ and his cause.
B. The Step of drawing lots – v.26 Acts 1:26 “And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."
Gawa 1:26 “At sila'y nagpalabunutan para sa kanila at ang nabunot ay si Matias; at siya'y ibinilang sa labing-isang apostol.” FILIPINO VERSION
The words “And they gave forth their lots” Some interpreters have supposed that this means they voted. However, there are lots of objections to prove that it is not probable.
The word “lots,” κλήρους klērous, is not used to express votes, or suffrage.
1.) The expression “the lot fell upon” is not consistent with the notion of voting. It is commonly expressive of casting lots.
2.) Casting lots was common among the Jews on important and difficult occasions, and it was natural that the apostles should resort to casting lot in this case.
We cannot find any other place in the bible, only in this place where the apostles casting lots. The election of a successor is to be by lot; the Lord is to decide. The proper use of casting lot, whereby a matter of importance, which cannot be determined by any ordinary method, and is committed to the Divine decision. What manner this was decided by lot?
There are various interpretations on the phrase “And they gave forth their lots;” Some commentaries interpreted it by interpreting that the disciples put two lots into two urns, the one containing the two names of Joseph and Matthias, the other a blank and the word apostle: and then drawing forth the name of Joseph and the blank, they knew that the lot containing the name of an apostle belonged to Matthias. This being in answer to their prayers, they concluded that Matthias was the man whom the Lord had chosen to the apostleship. Other commentaries on the other hand interpreted that there are two names of the persons inscribed were written on a two-tablet of stones, pieces of board, metal, or slips of parchment, and then they placed into a container, into an urn, as the urn has been shaken and then the hand put in and draw out, and the first one to come out was considered to be God’s choice so the case was decided after prayers, sacrifice.
The idea of casting or drawing lots comes from the Old Testament (Leviticus 16:8; Leviticus 16:9; Numbers 26:55; Joshua 14:2; Proverbs 16:33). David divided the priests by lot (1 Chronicles 24:5). The land of Canaan was divided by lot (Numbers 26:55; Joshua 15; Joshua 16:1-10; Joshua 17). Jonathan, son of Saul, was detected as having violated his father’s command. and as bringing calamity on the Israelites by lot (1 Samuel 14:41-42). Achan was detected by lot (Joshua 7:16-18). In these instances, the use of the lot was regarded as a solemn appeal to God for His direct interference in cases which they could not themselves decide (Proverbs 16:33). The choice of an apostle was an event of the same kind, and was regarded as a solemn appeal to God for His direction and guidance in a case which the apostles could not determine but practice the casting of lots.
The Old Testament practices of casting lots were simply followed by these apostles, because during that time, they do not have yet the Holy Spirit to guide them, like what we are doing in our time (John 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”). We notice, that after the Holy Spirit comes as it was promised by God the Father, these apostles never draw lots again.
Now, during their time when the Holy Spirit not yet come, as they are unitedly praying and patiently waiting in the upper room for the promised coming of the Spirit, the verse says, “and he was numbered” it means they drew lots and the lot fell to Matthias. The Greek word in verse 26 “and he was numbered” is confirming the indication of the divine will which had been given by the casting of lot. Then verse 26 says “with the eleven apostles”, the whole assembly thus deciding that the broken twelve had now been divinely filled up. The God’s choice is Matthias, the replacement for Judas. Though Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, lost the lot, he took no offense.
After Matthias replaced Judas in ministry of apostleship, there is no record beginning in the foundation of the church in Acts 2, that the church even pretended to appoint successors to the apostles, so, no ministers of the gospel can now pretend to be their successors in the unique and original design of the appointment of the apostles.
The only other apostle mentioned in the New Testament is the apostle Paul, who was not appointed as the successor of the other apostles, not with any special design except to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God to the Gentiles, as the others were to the Jews, and Paul was appointed for the same end, to testify that Jesus Christ was alive, and that Paul had seen him after Jesus rose, 1 Corinthians 15:8; 1 Corinthians 9:1, 1 Corinthians 9:15; Acts 22:8-9, Acts 22:14-15; Acts 26:17-18. The ministers of religion, therefore, are successors of the apostles, not in their special office of Apostleship as witnesses of Christ resurrection and ascension, but as preachers of the Word, and as appointed to establish, to organize, to edify, and to rule the churches. The unique work of the apostleship ceased with the death of all the apostles. The ordinary work of the ministry, which the apostles held in common with all others who preach the gospel, will continue to the end of time.
In this selection of next apostle for Judas’ replacement, there are believers who are praying, studying the Scriptures, thinking about the choice of God, and then practicing the drawing of lots from the Old Testament. If we remove the drawing of lots from the list of what they have done, the formula is still solid and strong. Let us pray without ceasing, and give attendance to reading, meditating, studying the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit will remind us everything we learn from the Scriptures. Be a prayer warrior and a Bible doer by loving God.
If we follow Judas beyond the tree on which he hung himself then we go to another tree where Christ was hung, crucified and died for our sins, there is the grace of God that forgives and saves all sinners who are willing to come to Jesus. If we will repent from our sins and believe on Jesus Christ as our Saviour we will be saved. We are saved by grace though faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), we will not end up in hell like Judas.
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