*Acts 1:12-26
The apostles return to Jerusalem, choose Matthias to replace Judas, and pray together in expectation of the Holy Spirit.
- Return to Jerusalem:
- After witnessing Jesus’ ascension from the Mount of Olives, the disciples return to Jerusalem, which becomes the focal point for the early Christian community.
- Disciples Gathered in Prayer:
- The disciples, including the eleven apostles, along with Mary the mother of Jesus and other women, gather together in an upper room for prayer.
- This period of waiting and prayer sets the stage for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
- Peter’s Leadership:
- Peter emerges as a leader among the disciples, taking the initiative to address the group and guide their actions in the absence of Jesus.
- Selection of Matthias:
- Peter acknowledges the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus and died.
- The group decides to select a replacement apostle to restore the number of apostles to twelve, in fulfillment of Scripture.
- Criteria for Selection:
- Peter outlines the qualifications for the new apostle, emphasizing that the candidate must have been with them from the baptism of John until the ascension of Jesus and be a witness of the resurrection.
- Nomination of Candidates:
- Two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias, are proposed as candidates to fill the vacancy.
- Prayer and Casting Lots:
- The group prays for guidance and then casts lots to determine which of the two men God has chosen to become an apostle.
- The lot falls to Matthias, who is then numbered among the twelve apostles.
Acts 1:12-26 teaches us the importance of prayer and trusting God’s guidance. After Jesus ascended to heaven, His followers came together to pray and seek His direction before choosing a new disciple to replace Judas. This reminds us that when we face important decisions, we should turn to God in prayer instead of relying only on our own understanding. We can apply this by being patient and trusting that God will lead us in the right direction. When we include Him in our choices and wait for His guidance, we can move forward with confidence, knowing He is in control.
Acts 1:12-26 (WEB)
1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.15 In these days, Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said, 16 “Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus. 17 For he was counted with us, and received his portion in this ministry. 18 Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness; and falling headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines gushed out. 19 It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘The field of blood.’ 20 For it is written in the book of Psalms,‘Let his habitation be made desolate.Let no one dwell in it;’and,‘Let another take his office.’21 “Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”23 They put forward two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 They prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.” 26 They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was counted with the eleven apostles.