What Now? (Week 5)

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.’”

Acts 1:15–22 15–17. One hundred twenty people in Jerusalem do not account for all the believers in Palestine. Many more lived in Samaria and Galilee. Peter, however, assumed the leadership here and (we can imagine somewhat grudgingly) moved the group from the mountain to the muck. He called them “brothers” after the words of Jesus in John 20:17. Then he explained that a replacement for Judas was necessary, not because of his death, but because of his defection. Judas was an active member of the group. We should not miss Peter’s reverence for Scripture throughout this section. He quotes Psalms 69:25 and 109:8 and certifies their inspiration as coming directly from the Holy Spirit.

1:18–20. As much as modern Christians love to talk about successes, sometimes the failures of the church need airing. Peter’s explanation of Judas’ failure offers us a look at the difference between apostasy and backsliding. Peter was a temporary backslider when he denied the Savior at the time of the crucifixion. Judas was an apostate; he revealed his true nature—an unbeliever—by his behavior in betraying Jesus (1 John 2:18–19). He did not have faith to ask for forgiveness and restoration. He yielded to despair and suicide, actions Peter recognized as fulfillment of Scripture. Why use these particular Psalms in this context? Because they were written about David’s companions who became his enemies.

The differences between Luke’s and Matthew’s account of how Judas died should not worry us. Matthew tells us Judas hanged himself, but it is certainly possible that after the hanging, the body fell to the ground and burst open.

Our fascination with drama gives birth to so many more questions about Judas than this passage answers. Luke wants our attention turned to the positive advance of the church, not their agony over Judas’ failure.

1:21–22. Peter spelled out the qualifications of the new leader: part of the believers from the beginning; witness of the resurrection; handpicked by the Lord. The apostles’ important task was to tell others of Jesus’ resurrection, the central distinguishing mark of Christian faith. Why twelve apostles? Why not just go on with the eleven? Apparently the New Testament carries forward a Jewish symbolism such as we find in Matthew 19:28 (twelve thrones) and Revelation 21:14 (twelve foundations