Acts 1: 12 – 26 NLT
“Matthias Replaces Judas
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. (a Sabbath’s day journey) 13 When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.
Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the zealot), and Judas (son of James). 14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
15 During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. 17 Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”
18 (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. 19 The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama which means “Field of Blood.”)
20 Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’
21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus – 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.”
Luke specifically names the 11 apostles that were present. Judas Iscariot had committed suicide after betraying Jesus. When they decided to replace him (many commentators feel that the 12 disciples represented the 12 tribes of Israel), notice the qualifications. “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus – from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” (v. 21 – 22) They realized they must have someone who was there the whole time, who knew all the facts from personal experience. This focus on making sure no one could accuse them of not knowing the facts is something we can rely on today. These accounts in the Bible are something we can believe are true.
Do you ever question whether the Bible is true? Whether your belief in Christianity is real or maybe just a philosophy to help live a good life? As I read verses in the Bible like the ones we read today, I see a doctor,a science person (Luke) making sure the facts are straight. You know historically who was present at the meeting; you know the verses from the Old Testament that verify what was said and done. You know many people were in attendance; this wasn’t a dream supported by a few. Factual accounts like the first chapter of Luke help me be confident that I am not believing in some fairy tale.
It’s also interesting that Peter is the one who leads the meeting. He’s the disciple who tended to be the impulsive one, the one who acted before thinking. He’s the one who tried to walk on water to meet Jesus and then began to sink; he’s the one who tried to cut off the soldier’s ear the night Jesus was arrested; he’s the one who denied knowing Jesus at Jesus’ trial. Yet Jesus loves him, and as we read Acts, we’ll discover God has made Peter one of the main leaders in this new church. It is so amazing to know that God can use each one of us despite our fears that we’re not talented enough, good enough, whatever holds us back. As church programs start up again, listen to that nudge from God that’s asking you to volunteer, get involved.
One more interesting fact that I learned from reading the InterVarsityPress online Bible commentary is that Matthias was never mentioned again after these verses. Scholars think he went to Ethiopia to spread the gospel. We have friends who were Christians before they immigrated to Canada from India. They told us that in their tradition, Thomas was the apostle who brought the news to India. It looks like the disciples took their “marching orders” from Jesus seriously even though the Book of Acts concentrates primarily on spreading the news in the Roman Empire.
Our song for today is In God We Trust by Hillsong Worship.