1. 1
Acts 1:15-26

2. APOINTMENT OF MATTHIAS
Next verses to Study
Acts 1:15-26;
APOINTMENT OF MATTHIAS 2

3. APPOINTING A SUBSTITUTE FOR JUDAS Judas has just made his bargain3
APPOINTING A SUBSTITUTE FOR JUDAS
Acts 1:15-22
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus- 17 he was one of our number and shared in this ministry."
Judas has just made his bargain
to betray Jesus.

4. HOLY SPIRIT SPOKE by the MOUTH of David David SPOKE by INSPIRATION
In the O.T. 4
Verbal or Plenary INSPIRATION
2 Sam 23:2; Jer 1:9;
2 Pet 1:21; 2 Tim 3:16;

5. Living Bible -2 Timothy 3:16
2 Peter 1:21
for no prophecy has ever yet originated in man's will, but men who were led by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. 5
Living Bible -2 Timothy 3:16
The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.

6. v17 Judas had been one of the original Apostles Lk 6:13;
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.)
Akeldama in Kidron Valley, Jerusalem

7. Luke tells us several things about JUDAS 7
v18-19
Luke tells us several things about JUDAS
Judas purchased a field with the wages of sin
Judas then died a horrible death
Field became known as the field of blood

8. Both statements are correct8
v19
Luke says that the name was given because of the horrible way that Judas died
Matthew said that it was because it was purchased with BLOOD money Matt 27:6-8;
Both statements are correct

9. Again SOME claim that Matthew and Luke contradict each other 9
v18-19
Again SOME claim that Matthew and Luke contradict each other
Matt 27:5; Judas HANGED himself?
Luke that he FELL and his bowels burst?
REESE:
Judas hung until decay caused his body to fall, then it burst open
NOT contradictory but complimentary gives additional information

10. Again SOME claim that Matthew and Luke contradict each other 10
v18-19
Again SOME claim that Matthew and Luke contradict each other
Matt 27:5; Judas HANGED himself?
Luke that he FELL and his bowels burst?
NOT contradictory but complimentary gives additional information
Matt 26:51; John 18:10;
One who drew the sword was Peter and the servants name was Malchus

11. JUDAS LOST HIS POSITION OF LEADERSHIP BECAUSE OF HIS WICKEDNESS11
The anti-Christian forces are today attempting to rehabilitate Judas.
The Bible here and elsewhere says he performed a wicked act when he betrayed Jesus into the hands of His enemies for money.
Jesus Himself called Judas a devil (John 6:70-71).

12. 20 "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, 12
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.'

13. PSALMS quoted by Peter in v20 Applied to Judas and the betrayal13
PSALMS quoted by Peter in v20
Also by Jesus Jn 13:18;
Applied to Judas and the betrayal
Psa 41:9;
Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

14. Judgement against the Christ’s betrayer
v20
Psa 69:25; Psa 109:8;
Judgement against the Christ’s betrayer
Compare also Psa 69:9 with John 2:17;
also Psa 69:21; with Matt 27:34,48; 14

15. TOP TEN LIST: MOST GRUESOME BIBLE DEMISES 10. Victims of Noah’s flood
9. Absolom speared in tree
8. Phineas spears the fornicators
7. Herod Agrippa I eaten by worms
6. Abimelech’s head crushed by a stone 15

16. TOP TEN LIST: MOST GRUESOME BIBLE DEMISES
v20
TOP TEN LIST: MOST GRUESOME BIBLE DEMISES
5. Eglon expires in the toilet (Ehud)
4. Jehoram’s bowels fall out
3. Judas’ head pops off and body
explodes
2. Sisera’s head nailed to the floor
1. Jezebel eaten by the dogs 16

17. John the Baptizer baptizes Jesus.17
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."
John the Baptizer baptizes Jesus.

18. His part of the Mission needs to be completed
WHY REPLACE JUDAS?
He’s dead
His part of the Mission needs to be completed
WHY 12?
The 12 Apostles are symbolic of the 12 Tribes of Israel or all God’s people at the time, a qualified man had to be appointed to fill up the number. 18

19. What requirements did Peter list for someone to be an apostle (v 21)?19
Discussion Question:
What requirements did Peter list for someone to be an apostle (v 21)?

20. Jesus’ ministry began at His baptism by John.
An apostle of Christ had to be a witness of everything Jesus did throughout His entire ministry.
From Baptism of John till the ascension of Christ into heaven John 15:26-27; with him from beginning
Jesus’ ministry began at His baptism by John.
This man also had to have been a witness of the resurrection of Jesus.
This means he had to have seen and recognized Him after His resurrection as the same person he had known before His resurrection. 20

21. He was also required to have been a witness of Jesus’ ascension. 21
He also had to have been present at every appearance of Jesus after His resurrection during the forty days after His resurrection.
He was also required to have been a witness of Jesus’ ascension.
He must have personally seen and be willing and able to tell others
I’m sure there were other qualifications such as good character and a record of ethical behavior, but these were taken for granted so were not mentioned by Peter.

22. Had to prove that the Christ Jesus was truly the long awaited MESSIAH
Why so important
Had to prove that the Christ Jesus
was truly the long awaited MESSIAH
John 1:41; Lk 24:44;
ALL THINGS MUST BE FULLFILLED 22

23. They had to PROVE that the Christ SUFFERED and ROSE 23
Why so important
They had to PROVE that the Christ SUFFERED and ROSE
Rom 1:4; declared to be Son of God with power through the resurrection
ONLY the Apostles served as
EYE WITNESSES
2:32; 3:15; 5:29-32; 10:39-41; 13:30-31; 4:33;

24. 12 in Number (not just one or two) (even to the point of death)24
Force of the testimony
12 in Number (not just one or two)
UNITED in testimony
FEARLESS in testimony
(even to the point of death)
Resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the FOUNDATION of the Christians faith. As seen in 1 Cor 15:17; John 17:20; & 20:28-20;

25. 25
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
NONE of us can WITNESS in the same way as the Apostles could because NONE of us can FULFILL the qualifications of these first witnesses

26. 26
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
We must TEACH what the eye witnesses of Jesus THROUGH the Holy Spirit have RECORDED for us to teach in the word of God
2 Tim 4:2 Mark 16:15 Matt 28:28

27. What changed the apostles for them to become so fearless?27
Discussion Question:
Luke 24:53
What changed the apostles for them to become so fearless?

28. v2 Personally chosen by Deity v8 Witnesses of Christ 28
The Apostles were
v2 Personally chosen by Deity
v8 Witnesses of Christ
v22 Having been with Jesus from John’s baptism until Christ’s ascension
v22 To have PERSONALLY witnessed the resurrection.
To receive miraculous power through the Holy Spirit to do several things

29. The POWER was to enable them to: 29
The POWER was to enable them to:
Have BROUGHT to their remembrance without error ALL that Jesus had PERSONALLY taught them. John 14:26;
To RECORD without error ALL of the TRUTH. John 16:13; 1 Cor 14:37;

30. The POWER was to enable them to:30
The POWER was to enable them to:
CONFIRM the MESSAGE was FROM GOD by the MIGHTY MIRACLES that they were able to work.
2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:4;

31. Only TWO MEN met the strict qualifications The APOSTLES pray to GOD31
v23
Only TWO MEN met the strict qualifications
The APOSTLES pray to GOD
Heb 7:27;

32. ONLY TWO WERE QUALIFIED32
ONLY TWO WERE QUALIFIED
Acts 1:23-26
23 So they proposed 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.
Casting lots was something like drawing a name from a hat.

33. The Apostles recognised that only God could make the choice. 33
v24
The Apostles recognised that only God could make the choice.
Jesus CHOSE the 12 now God would CHOSE the replacement
The REPLACEMENT of an APOSTLE is NOT something for MEN to do

34. Both men met the strict qualifications 34
v24-25
Both men met the strict qualifications
But ONLY God would know the hearts of these men and make the proper choice.
1 Chron 28:9; the Lord searches all hearts
Psa 139:1-4; understand my thoughts

35. Both men met the strict qualifications 35
v24-25
Both men met the strict qualifications
But ONLY God would know the hearts of these men and make the proper choice.
Heb 4:12-13; discerner of the intent of the heart

36. Both men met the strict qualifications 36
v24-25
Both men met the strict qualifications
and ONLY God knows OUR hearts what CAN we do.
Prov 4:23; protect our hearts from evil.
2 Cor 10:5; Keep our thoughts under control

37. Both men met the strict qualifications 37
v24-25
Both men met the strict qualifications
and ONLY God knows OUR hearts what CAN we do.
Prov 4:23; protect our hearts from evil.
2 Cor 7:1; cleanse our flesh strive for HOLINESS

38. Both men met the strict qualifications 38
v24-25
Both men met the strict qualifications
and ONLY God knows OUR hearts what CAN we do.
Matt 5:8; blessed are the PURE in heart.
Phil 4:8; think on that which is true pure noble honest etc

39. Both men met the strict qualifications
v24-25
Both men met the strict qualifications
and ONLY God knows OUR hearts what CAN we do.
AS WE THINK IN OUR HEARTS SO WE WILL ACT 39

40. Strong words used about Judas v17 In every way an Apostle YET
v16 Guided those who arrested JESUS
v25 He lost his position as an Apostle 40

41. Strong words used about Judas v25 Fell by sinning. 1 John 3:4; 41
v25
Strong words used about Judas
v25 Fell by sinning. 1 John 3:4;
v18 came to a HORRIBLE end Matt 27:5;
v19 His memorial – the field of blood
Luke 6:16; described as a traitor
Jn 12:6; described as a thief

42. Strong words used about Judas 42
v25
Strong words used about Judas
Jn 17:12; Jesus called him Son of PERDITION
Act 1:26; went to his own place
Take care lest we also fall
Gal 5:4; 1 Cor 9:27; 2 Pet 2:20-22;

43. 43
Casting Lots
The words “lottery” and “lot,” in the sense of real property, were derived from the original word.
It seems that marked or colored stones were most often used in ancient times.
To read an online article that gives a fuller discussion of this topic, go here:

44. some biblical examples 1 Chron 24:5; David divided the priests
CASTING LOTS
some biblical examples
1 Chron 24:5; David divided the priests
Num 26:55; Josh ch Land of Canaan divided
Josh 7:16-18; Achan SIN discovered this way 44

45. This is seen clearly in Prov 16:33; The lot is cast God chooses
CASTING LOTS
In casting lots the Jews were appealing to God not as part of a voting process or election
This is seen clearly in Prov 16:33;
The lot is cast God chooses 45

46. This is the last time lots are recorded in the N.T.46
v26
CASTING LOTS
This is the last time lots are recorded in the N.T.
The Apostles were in a period of transition between the ascension of Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit

47. 47
v26
CASTING LOTS
It was a unique situation where they could not ask Jesus and they had not the inspired guidance of the Holy Spirit
We NOW have access to all that the Spirit revealed to the apostles in our New Testament today
2Pet 1:3-4; 2Tim 3:15-17; Phil 2:5;

48. v26 The Lot fell to MATTHIAS48
v26 The Lot fell to MATTHIAS
They cast lots (similar to our drawing straws or picking a name from a hat) to pick the replacement. But with a far different intent They were not trusting to luck or fate but to the guidance of God
Should we make religious decisions in such a manner today?

49. From a Medieval Wall Painting49
There were two men who met all the qualifications. Both could have been appointed if the number twelve were not significant.
But there were to be twelve and no more than twelve, at least for the first day of the Kingdom, when the gospel was to be presented to the Jews.
The two men who were equally qualified were Joseph, called Barsabbas or Justus, and Matthias.
Joseph and Matthias
From a Medieval Wall Painting

50. V26 The Lot fell to MATTHIAS50
V26 The Lot fell to MATTHIAS
In making our decisions in matter of religion today
We need to SEARCH the WORD of GOD
Consider the CONTEXT
THEN PRAYERFULLY make the application

51. It started small and grew to fill the civilized world of the time.51
The disciples prayed to God and asked Him to make the choice between the two men. After their prayer they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. He then became the twelfth apostle.
Now everything is ready for the great day of Pentecost, the coming of the Power from on High, the first gospel sermon and the beginning of the promised Kingdom, also called the Church.
It started small and grew to fill the civilized world of the time.

52. THE MISSION HAS BEENASSIGNED THE MISSIONARIES HAVE BEEN SELECTED 52
Acts 1
NOW WHAT?
THE MISSION HAS BEENASSIGNED
THE MISSIONARIES HAVE BEEN SELECTED
THE POWER HAS NOT YET COME

53. Jesus Himself chose him.
Judas Iscariot 53
by Ellis Jones
He had it all and lost it.
The best job ever had.
Jesus Himself chose him.
Why did he turn so bad?

54. And then to sell Him out? -54
To know the Son of God,
In Person and up close,
And then to sell Him out? -
The reason no one knows.

55. In everything Christ did. Nothing Jesus ever said, 55
He was a full partner
In everything Christ did.
Nothing Jesus ever said,
From Judas’ ears was hid.

56. One of life’s great myst’ries56
One of life’s great myst’ries
Is Satan, how he is.
Another one is Judas
And that unholy kiss.