June 11
“In those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, ‘Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus,’” Acts 1:15-16.
In the first week after Jesus ascended into heaven, the followers of Jesus were assembled in Jerusalem. The total number assembled in that gathering was about 120 persons, which included the eleven disciples, other male followers, a number of women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Jesus’ brothers. The brothers of Jesus were either half-brothers– other sons of Joseph and Mary– or Jesus’ cousins. The teaching that Mary was always a virgin and that she and Joseph did not have other children is a human opinion. It is a teaching that has no foundation in Holy Scripture.
As this group of about 120 persons was assembled in Jerusalem, the apostle Peter called a meeting and said that they had a matter of business with which to deal. He spoke concerning Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed the Lord Jesus and who was the leader of the gang that came to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. Then he informed them again about a situation with which they were familiar, namely, that Judas had committed suicide.
He told the assembled group that there was an Old Testament Scripture that had to be fulfilled. The Holy Spirit, speaking through the psalmist David, had said, “Let another take his office,” Psalm 109:8. It was the will of God that a disciple be appointed to replace Judas and that the number be restored to twelve disciples. The person to replace Judas would be required to have been a witness from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He would have to be someone who witnessed Jesus’ miracles, His mighty works and wonders, one who witnessed the crucifixion, and one who was a witness to the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. He also would have to be a witness of Jesus’ ascension into heaven.
After some discussion on qualified candidates, they proposed or nominated two men: “Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias,” Acts 1:23. Then they prayed and placed the matter into the hands of God. “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell . . . And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles,” Acts 1:24-26. All of the details of how they proceeded in casting lots are not recorded in Holy Scripture. However, it was a way acceptable by God to make decisions. Today, we nominate qualified candidates for positions in the ministry, and then we vote by ballot. We must make decisions in the church in a God-pleasing way.
Our concern to do things properly and in order should always be made for the sake of the preaching and teaching of God’s Word so that people are called to repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is God’s Son and our only Savior. He lived a perfect life and fulfilled the Commandments in our place. He took our sins upon Himself and suffered and died on the cross to wash away our sins. He rose from the grave and conquered sin, death and the devil for us. The Holy Spirit invites us to believe and put our trust in Jesus as our only Savior. And we await His return to earth to take us into the halls of heaven where He has prepared a place for us.
Dear God, strengthen this faith and hope in our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.