Passage
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called 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 All these were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. 15 During these days Peter stood up among the brothers—the number of people who were together was about 120—and said: 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David spoke in advance about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was one of our number and was allotted a share in this ministry.” 18 Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst and burst open in the middle, and all his insides 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.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 the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place.” 26 Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.
Study Questions
Acts 1:12-26
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Consider the wisdom of Peter in dealing squarely with the painful issue of Judas. Note the interaction in this text between prayer, Peter’s leadership, scripture and God’s guidance. What can I learn from this?
I find it interesting that Peter would lead his fellow apostles to appoint the 12th to fill in the ranks. This continues to strengthen my view of Peter’s personality: someone who is outspoken and outgoing and wanting to accomplish the task at hand. However, as some scholars point out, instead of Matthaias being chosen as the 12th, it should have been Paul. This shows that his personality did not change before and after the resurrection of Christ. Knowing this, Jesus called out to Peter, and he responded.
I love how Jesus calls out to us and it is up to us whether or not to accept His calling. I love how I had to make a conscientious decision about following Christ and in it, comes the responsiblity of continually reminding myself of the value of the relationship. In this relationship, He knows my faults and my strengths. I do not need to have to hide or pretend to be perfect. I know that with the relationship with Christ, I will become more and more like Him.
Through Peter’s love for Christ, he steps up as a leader. Through Peter’s love for Christ, he speaks the painful Truth. Through Peter’s love for Christ, he feels the urgency of spreading the Gospel. Lastly, through Peter’s love for Christ, he seeks guidance.
This is definitely a reminder of how I should be when living my life for Christ. I need to constantly remember that all things are done through love for Christ. I need to step up in my local church. I need to speak the Truth that is painful for others to hear and for me to remember. I need to remind myself of the urgency of spreading the Gospel. I need to always seek the guidance from the Holy Spirit especially in making the important decisions.
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Reflecton the tragedy of Judas, highlighted in these phrases: “he was one of our number and was alloted a share in this ministry (v.17), and “apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place” (v.25). Think of what Judas had, and the act of turning aside to “go to his own place.” What is the ministry and apostleship I have receved as a follower of Jesus? What could pull me away from my “share in this ministry” that Jesus calls me to?
The one screaming reason for me would be my laziness. Though it can come in handy in becoming more efficient, there are some aspects that I need to be more diligent in my life in order to become someone more like Christ. Lately, I feel that my integrity has been suffering whether it is failing to keep up with promises with friends or family. I used to have a calendar that reminded me of my events. But having graduated and without too much care, I have begun a terrible journey of neglecting what I need to do for the day and preparing for the upcoming.
My daily quiet time with the Lord has suffered a bit but with the help of these blogs, I can be accountable for having quality quiet time to think and reflect on my relationship with Christ and how to fight temptations that are before me.
I have spent my last 3 months of college indulging in games, food and media while neglecting my spiritual needs. This gluttony has its consequence that I am trying to fight. I hope that having a set schedule again will help me to manage my time better and to be a better follower of Christ.
Free Thought
14 All these were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
I’ve always skipped this verse to focus on other verses but looking at it from a fresh perspective gave me new insights! Notice how it says ALL were continually in prayer… but about what? They just witnessed Christ going up to Heaven and after their short journey back to the house. What could the reason be? As I studied commentaries and other sermons, I came to realize that they were gathered in prayer waiting for the Holy Spirit to empower them. Thinking back, I realize that there were moments when I tried to teach or talk about Christ without the Holy Spirit giving me strength. These moments have been futile and did not really convict anyone. However, when I prayed and fasted asking for empowerment, I found the difference to be completely different.
Another thing that I noticed was: “…united in prayer, along with the women…”. I love how Christianity broke down the walls between the sexes of being in the same room, worshipping the same God.
Father, thanks for reminding me of Peter and why you called him and how I can be more like Peter. Thank you for constantly providing me with examples of how I should follow you. Amen.
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