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posted ago by Q20191776 ago by Q20191776 +24 / -0

I don't know much about Matthias (but Allknowing God does). There are still lessons to be learned from these verses.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+1:12-26

Acts 1:12-26

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas 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 payment he received 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 was living 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 nominated 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.

Study Notes: These will be added throughout today as I intersperse sharing them with my work.

1:12, 13 After Christ was taken up into heaven, the disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem and had a prayer meeting. Jesus had said that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days, so they waited and prayed. When you face a difficult decision, or a baffling dilemma, don't rush into the work and just hope it comes out the way it should. Instead, your first step should be to pray for the Holy Spirit's power and guidance.

1:13 A "Zealot" could mean anyone zealous for the Jewish law. The Zealots may have been a radical political party working for the violent overthrow of Roman rule in Israel.

1:14 At this time, Jesus' brothers were with the disciples. During Jesus' lifetime, they did not believe he was the Messiah (John 7:5), but his resurrection must have convinced them. Jesus' special appearance to James, one of his brothers, may have been an especially significant event in their conversion (See 1Corinthians 15:7).

1:15-26 This was the first church business meeting. The small group of 11 had already grown to more than 120. The main order of business was to appoint a new disciple, or apostle, as the 12 were now called. While the apostles waited, they were doing what they could--praying, seeking God's guidance, and getting organized. Waiting for God to work does not mean sitting around doing nothing. We must do what we can, while we can, as long as we don't run ahead of God.

1:16, 17 How could someone who had been with Jesus daily betray him? Judas received the same calling and teaching as everyone else. But he chose to reject Christ's warning as well as his offers of mercy. Judas hardened his heart and joined in the plot with Jesus' enemies to put him to death. Judas remained unrepentant until the end, and he finally committed suicide. Although Jesus predicted this would happen, it was Judas's choice. Those privileged to be close to the truth are not necessarily committed to the truth. See Judas's Profile in Mark 14 for more information on his life.

1:18 Matthew says that Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27:5). Acts says that he fell. The traditional explanation is that when Judas hanged himself, the rope or branch broke, Judas fell, and his body burst open.

1:21, 22 There were many who consistently followed Jesus throughout his ministry on earth. The 12 disciples were his inner circle, but others shared the disciples' deep love for and commitment to Jesus.

1:21-25 The apostles had to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot. They outlined specific criteria for making the choice. When the "finalists" had been chosen, the apostles prayed, asking God to guide the selection process. This gives us a good example of how to proceed when we are making important decisions. Set up criteria consistent with the Bible, examine the alternatives, and pray for wisdom and guidance to reach a wise decision.

1:26 The disciples became apostles. Disciple means follower or learner, and apostle means messenger or missionary. These men now had the special assignment of spreading the Good News of Jesus' death and resurrection.

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As I read these verses it occurred to me that replacement of the corrupt and fallen is important. I also noted that those who deny the truth (the Way, the Truth, and the Life) by their own choice commit suicide. So, for me, I choose to seek truth and live in it. I cannot make this choice for anyone else for it is their's to make. It is also very evident that we make wiser choices when we first learn the truth and seek guidance from God's Holy Spirit of Truth. #21 and #19 on my list of 21 things (#21: "First go to God." and #19: "I choose Life. I choose God.").

Our heavenly Father, thank you for those who serve You in truth. Thank You for all those seeking truth and sharing truth and committed to truth. Strengthen and protect them according to Your will. Bring out the truth according to Your divine timing and help us to accept and recognize it. Help us commit to serve. Guide us in Your service. In Jesus' name and to Your glory, Amen.

A Song: https://youtu.be/HKpy15xBW4w

Have a blessed day.