Acts 1:12-26 (Wednesday Evening Bible Study)

Acts 1:12-26

• Acts 1:12-14
• 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
  • Returning from the Mount of Olives was an uphill climb on a winding road with some spectacular views of Jerusalem to the west and the Dead Sea to the east. This notation by Luke give the location of the ascension at a place just outside of Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. The apostles walked “a Sabbath’s day’s walk” to get to Jerusalem. This distance was about 3/4 of a mile and was the longest distance one could walk without breaking the Sabbath day regulation established by rabbinic tradition
  • When they arrived, the apostles went to a room upstairs
    • The term describes a space which was generally found on the third floor of a large Palestinian house. These rooms were normally reached by outside steps and were often used as dining rooms or as places of study. Sometimes they were also sublet to poorer families
    • No information is given as to the owner of the house, though some suggest that it may have belonged to Mary, mother of Mark. It may have been the same upper room used for Jesus’ last supper with His disciples
  • At this point the list of apostles is given
    • The list differs only slightly from similar ones given in the Gospels. The order of the names shows some variation and Judas Iscariot is obviously omitted
    • James son of Alphaeus is probably the same disciple called James the younger in Mark 15
    • Simon is called “the Zealot” which is likely a reference to his connections with the group of militant Jews fighting for political independence in the latter part of the first century
      • Though scholars today admit that the evidence for the existence of the Zealots in any organized way prior to 66 is slight, Josephus dates the beginning of the group to 6
    • Also mentioned here are women who were part of the fellowship of believers
      • Included among the women were those who had followed Jesus from Galilees. Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James are mentioned in Mark 15. In some cases, the women may have been relatives of the apostles, or even their wives. Mary the mother of Jesus was there
      • In addition, the “brothers” of Jesus were present
        • In Mark 6, the names of Jesus’ four brothers are given as James, Judas, Joseph, and Simon, and the presence of sisters is also mentioned
        • These family members were not convinced of Jesus credibility at first, but by the time of His ascension, had become believers. Later, James would even become a leader in the church and author of the Book of James
    • This group of apostles, friends, and family members was continuing in prayer as they waited in Jerusalem for the promise of God
      • The expression Luke uses is an important one. The disciples “continually united in prayer”. There were together just in the sense of being together in the same place, but they remained together in the sense of unity of mind and purpose. This expression of oneness (homothymadon) will appear several more times in Acts
      • Luke’s motive is to show how the believers carried out their ministry and worship with a spirit of harmony. It is no surprise that such unity should follow when Christians are praying and waiting for the Spirit
• Acts 1:15-20
• 15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters—the number of people who were together was about a hundred twenty—and said, 16 “Brothers and sisters, it was necessary that the Scripture be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David foretold about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” 18 Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst, his body burst open and his intestines spilled out. 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, “Field of Blood”). 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: “Let his dwelling become desolate; let no one live in it; and let someone else take his position.”
  • Peter’s ability as a leader among believers became vital at a time when frustration and aimlessness could have overwhelmed the follower of Jesus
    • These believers had witnessed the cruel death of the Savior, and after a brief, unexpected reunion with Him, they had once again been separated from Him at the ascension
    • The group had been deprived of one of its leaders when Judas turned traitor
    • Under these circumstances Peter stood to address the bewildered group of believers
    • “In those days” refers to the period between the ascension and the Day of Pentecost
  • We are told that the number of the disciples was about 120. That is one of the most uplifting things in the NT
    • There were only 120 or so pledged to Christ, and it is very unlikely that any of them had ever been outside the narrow confines of Palestine—but these 120 ordinary men and women were told to go out and make disciples of the whole world. If ever anything began from small beginnings, the Christian Church did. These disciples gallantly faced their task, and so must we; and it may be that we too will be the small beginning from which the kingdom in our area of life will spread
  • Addressing the assembly, Peter’s first thought was the scriptural authors for taking action
    • He cited two OT verses—Psalm 69:25 and 109:8
      • 69:25 “Make their fortification desolate; may no one live in their tents.”; 109:8 “Let his days be few; let another take over his position.”
      • Psalm 69:25 is a prayer by the psalmist that the home of his enemy will become deserted. Psalm 109:8 is a prayer that the enemy of the psalmist will die prematurely and be replaced in his position by someone else
      • Peter thus implied the the abdication of Judas and the opportunity to replace him had been foreseen by God. In stating this, Peter also expressed his confidence in the Scriptures as the very voice of God. The prophetic word had been spoken “by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of” the human spokesman, David. The word of God is authoritative because it originates from God
    • Many of the Psalms, especially those which are called “royal” or “coronation,” were considered Messianic in the first century. It is possible that lists of such OT references were used by the earliest Christians as they evangelized among the Jews
  • Peter’s description of the need called attention to what happened to Judas Iscariot
    • He reminded the apostles that Judas had been a full member of their ministry. Luke adds a parenthetical remark that Judas had used the money to purchase a field (or estate). Because of the gruesome nature of his death on this property the place became known later as “Field of Blood”. The name of the place is translated from the Aramaic for the benefit of Luke’s Greek readers. The language indicates that he fell “headlong” and his body “burst open”
    • Matthew’s account of this incident indicates that Judas returned the 30 pieces of sliver to the temple, throwing it down, and then went away and hanged himself
      • The best way to harmonize these accounts is to assume that the priests used the silver to purchase the estate after the death of Judas. This assumes that his death occurred by hanging, and that the body of Judas, having become decomposed, fell from the place where he had committed suicide. Luke’s reason for providing such gory details is to remind the reader of the consequences of isn. This point is reinforced in 1:25 where Peter says that Judas abandoned his role “to go where he belongs”—a less than subtle reference to eternal punishment
    • What the Greek means here is actually unclear; but in Matthew’s account we are left with no doubt that Judas committed suicide. It will always be a matter of speculation why Judas betrayed Jesus. Various suggestions that have been put forward include
      • The name Iscariot means man of Kerioth
        • If that is correct, Judas was the only non-Galilean among the apostles. It may be that he felt himself the odd one out and grew so embittered that he did this terrible thing
      • It may be that Judas became an informer to save his own skin and then saw the enormity of what he had done
      • It may be that he did it simply out of greed for money
        • If he did, it was the most dreadful bargain in history—for he sold his Lord for 30 pieces of silver, which was the equivalent of a little under 6-month’s pay for the average worker
      • It may be that Judas came to hate Jesus
        • From others he could disguise the evil intentions of his heart; but the eyes of Jesus could penetrate to the inmost corners of his being. It may be that in the end he was driven to destroy the one who knew him for what he was
      • It may be that Iscariot is a form of a Greek word which means a dagger-bearer
        • They were a band of violent nationalists who were prepared to undertake assassination and murder in a campaign to set Israel free. Perhaps Judas saw in Jesus the very person who could lead the nationalists to triumph; and, when he saw that Jesus refused that way, he turned against Him and in his bitter disappointment betrayed Him
      • It is likeliest of all that Judas never meant Jesus to die, but betrayed Him with the intention of forcing His hand
        • If that is so, Judas had the tragic experience of seeing his plan go desperately wrong, and in his bitter remorse he committed suicide
      • Whatever the reason for his actions, Judas goes down in history as the most wicked name of all. There can never be any peace for anyone who betrays Christ
• Acts 1:21-26
• 21 “Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, know everyone’s hearts; show which of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic ministry that Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias and he was added to the eleven apostles.
  • After this explanation, the address of Peter resumes
    • His use of the Psalms argues the need for selecting new leader. This need was made explicit as Peter explained the qualifications required of the successor of Judas
    • The position of Judas would not be filled randomly. The field was narrowed to include only those who had “been with us”, that is, full participants in the earthly ministry of Jesus
      • In Acts it is always the twelve who are called apostles, except in 14 where Paul and Barnabas are designated as “apostles.” Paul’s use of the term seems broader, however, and includes not only himself (Gal. 1:1), but also Junias and Andronicus (Romans 16:7), and maybe Barnabas (I Cor. 9:6) and James (I Cor. 15:5; Gal 1:19). 
  • Beyond this requirement, the successor must have been a participant in this ministry fro the full period of time beginning from John’s baptizing in the Jordan River and including Christ’s ascension. This experience would serve to boost the credentials of the new apostle for being a “witness” of Christ’s resurrection
  • Two candidates, Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias, were set forth by the apostles
    • Others may also have been qualified for this role, but these two were placed before the congregation for consideration. There names are not mentioned again in the NT
  • The last step in the process was prayer and the casting of lots
    • The prayer was simple, but beautiful. God was addressed in a way quite appropriate for the occasion. He is “Lord,” but also the one who knows every heart
      • “Lord” describes His absolute control over circumstances and events. As the one who knows everyone’s heart, His assistance was necessary in the selection of a spiritual leader upon whom much would depend. The simple request was that the all-knowing Lord would reveal the proper choice
  • Having asked for divine help, the apostles completed the selection with the casting of lots. Lots were usually a collection of marked sones or sticks placed in a jar and then shake out. The one whose lot fell out was the one chosen
    • This was how offices in the Temple were selected
  • Though this method may seem far too random, we must remember that the OT had already sanctioned the casting of lots for use in some important situations. Now the apostles were using this method in connection wit a process that had already narrowed the field of candidates by a rational means, and had brought them down to two perhaps equally qualified men. Thus they prayed for God’s choice to be revealed in this final step. They trusted as they did so that the truth of Proverbs 16:33 would apply “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”
  • In this manner, Matthias was “added to the eleven apostles”
    • This is the only instance in the NT when an apostle is chosen with human hands. Later, when James was martyred, there was no effort to replace him. The position of apostle was a unique and irreplaceable one. As eyewitnesses to the resurrection, their testimony would form the basis for the preaching of the gospel