Begin at Acts 1:16-26

Begin at Acts 1:16-26

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!

  The Bible is a hoax written by ordinary men many people will say.  The problem with this statement is that over 300 prophecies about Jesus in the old testament were fulfilled by Jesus.  Some say over 400 prophecies were written and fulfilled. Click on the link if you care to view them.  All through the old Testament comes the word of Jesus the Christ. Wow, I don't think this all came from a single cell amoeba, do you?  

  Peter is speaking to the followers in the upper room, about 120 (not just the chosen) and said  16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

  Speaking of the prophecy and it being fulfilled in this that Jesus would be betrayed by one of his disciples.  You can find this in Jeremiah and Zechariah.  Peter is speaking of this betrayal and goes on telling about the cost and what happened to Judas. 18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

     Peter gives us a vivid description of what happened to Judas and how the field where he fell to be named.  19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

    Okay, verse 20 says to let this field be desolate, no one living there. Then he goes on to say "his bishoprick let another take" which is simply saying they must pick someone else to take his, Judas', place.

  21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

The apostles had to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot.  They outlined specific criteria for making the choice.  After some finalists were chosen, the apostles prayed, asking God to guide the selection process.    They chose Joseph called Barsabas (whose surname was Justus) and Matthias. This gives us a good example of how to proceed when we are making important decisions.  

26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. 

   So Matthias was chosen.  But who is Matthias? He was one of the 120 in the upper room after Christ ascended to heaven.  He was Baptized by John and had followed Jesus with the disciples all this time.  He was present and witnessed the ascension of Jesus.  However, he was not actually hand picked by Jesus, but by casting lots -- AFTER PRAYER AND MEDITATION.  

   So now we are back up to 12 apostles.  Remember, the apostles were terribly hurt when they found that one of their own, Judas, had betrayed Jesus and them.  Wow, good stuff in this Bible and in the book of Acts.  On to Chapter 2 next time. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny