Building Blocks
Acts 1:15-26 is about Judas’ death and Judas’ replacement. Prophecy of Scripture must come to pass. Judas was a chosen member of the twelve, v. 17. His place was vacant, v. 20a. It needed to be
filled, v. 20b. Why was it so important to replace Judas? Read verses 21-22 … 21 “Therefore, of these men 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 that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” The qualifications for apostles are: (a) they must be witnesses of the ministry of Jesus from baptism to ascension; and (b) the resurrection appearances. Why? They were to be witnesses who could share His teaching and confirm His resurrection and ascension. The apostles were limited to these twelve: they were a unique, and irreplaceable office. Ephesians 2:20 affirms, “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Also, Revelation 21:14 … “Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” James was not replaced after martyrdom; he was still an apostle. Why did Judas need to be replaced? Because he abandoned his position. His betrayal of Jesus forfeited it. Because the church is built on the foundation of these twelve, their number had to be completed before the Holy Spirit came. Verse 23 records two candidates, “And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.” What happened next? They prayed for God’s choice, vv. 24-25. Verse 26 states, “And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” The decision of who was to replace Judas was the Lord’s to make. A good practice for the future church—God makes all the ministry decisions. Have you surrendered leadership of your life to the Holy Spirit?
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.