Read Acts 1:12-26 “Matthias is Chosen”
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” 18 (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’ 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed the names of two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. (TNIV)
Beverly Gaventa notes that despite the prominence with which Matthias is introduced here, he does not appear in the rest of Acts.[1] Nor, in fact, do a number of other apostles and, in fact, only Peter appears prominently.
➡ Why, then, is Acts traditionally known as “the Acts of the Apostles”? Can you think of a better title?!
In reponse to Jesus’ instructions, his followers waited in Jerusalem meeting and praying together, presumably very unsure as to what would happen next!
➡ Are there times in your life when you have felt like you’re stuck in one place waiting for what God will do next? How has this felt? Do you find any encouragement from Acts in this regard and/or any tips?!
If you have a bit longer :-)
In both Psalm 69:25 and 109:8, which Peter quotes in v. 20, the psalmist is calling down a curse on his persecutors. He clearly does not have Judas in mind!
➡ Why, then, does Peter see these verses as fulfilled by Judas’ betrayal? Why does he think it is important to do so?
Thinking back over the whole of Acts 1, have a think about 1 or more of the following questions (depending on which you most resonate with!).
➡ What stands out to you the most from this chapter?
➡ What is the biggest challenge in this chapter?
➡ Do you have any unresolved questions about it?
➡ Has God spoken to you through this chapter? If so, what has he said?
➡ What have you learned about God through it?
➡ What have you learned about Jesus’ followers?
➡ Have you learned anything about the Bible?
➡ Is there anything you think you should do/change/pray in response to reading this chapter?
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