Acts 1:12-26

Radiant Church, September 8, 2019 Mike Rydman Acts 1:12-26 Acts 1:12-14 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Acts 1:15-20 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it;” and “Let another take his office.” Peter quotes from both Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8 Peter saw the significance of 12 apostles – related to the 12 tribes of Israel Filling out the 12 was a picture of the true Israel being made complete Both for proclamation and for symbolism Qualifications: traveled with them, heard all Jesus said Purpose: be a witness (to what they’ve witnessed) of the resurrection Acts 1:21-22 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us – one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection. Acts 1:23-26 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. “know the hearts of all” = “Heart Knower” (kardia-gnosis) This is the last time in the Bible that lots are cast. When the Holy Spirit came to all believers, the need for lots vanished But what is God’s will for us? What is our purpose for even being created? This is not new to the Book of Acts; God has always called His chosen people to this… Isaiah 43:10-12 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and I am God.” The apostles have now received the commission and witnessed the ascension The apostolic team of 12 is now complete again, ready to be Christ’s chosen Witnesses But the Holy Spirit has not yet come