Acts 1:12-26
A Replacement Among the Twelve
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12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away.
13When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
14With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
15In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said,
16“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.
17He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”
18(Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out.
19This became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
20“For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his position.’
21Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
23So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
24And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen
25to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.”
26Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.
Berean Standard Bible
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The apostles return to Jerusalem and continue together in prayer. The women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers are with them. While they wait, Peter addresses the vacancy left by Judas, who had shared their ministry and then guided those who arrested Jesus.
Luke describes Judas' death and the field associated with his wrongdoing. Peter turns to the Psalms to explain why another should take his position. Betrayal has damaged the group, but it has not ended the work God gave them.
The replacement must have accompanied them from John's baptism until Jesus was taken up. He will join them as a witness to the resurrection. This particular responsibility requires firsthand knowledge of Jesus' ministry; popularity alone cannot qualify someone for it.
They put forward Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias. They pray to the Lord who knows every heart and ask Him to show whom He has chosen. Then they cast lots, and Matthias is added to the eleven apostles. Luke describes how this vacancy was filled; he does not give every later church decision the same method.
Questions
1 What did the apostles do while waiting in Jerusalem?
AnswerThey devoted themselves to prayer with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers, waiting together rather than trying to control the promise.
2 What qualification did Peter give?
AnswerThe candidate had to have accompanied them from John’s baptism until Jesus was taken up, so he could witness the resurrection with the apostles.
3 Why was another apostle needed?
AnswerJudas had turned away from his apostolic ministry and died, leaving the group needing a witness to take his place among the Twelve.
4 What did the group do before casting lots?
AnswerThey prayed and asked the Lord, who knows every heart, to show which of the two He had chosen for this ministry.
What This Means for Us
A responsibility should help us decide what qualifications matter. Peter names the work before considering who should do it. We can learn from that order when choosing someone to teach, lead, or care for others.
Pray about the actual task and consider whether a person is prepared for it. Confidence and likability are not the same as faithfulness or ability. Listen to those who know the work and the people it affects.
The believers also turn to the Lord who knows hearts better than they do. Careful judgment and dependence on God belong together.
Prayer
Lord, You know every heart. Give Your church wisdom when responsibilities must be entrusted to others. Help us value faithful service and the knowledge each task requires, and teach us to seek Your direction together. Amen.