1 Acts 1:15-26

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

APPOINTING A SUBSTITUTE FOR JUDAS Judas has just made his bargain 3 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.

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;

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.

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

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

Both statements are correct 8 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

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

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

JUDAS LOST HIS POSITION OF LEADERSHIP BECAUSE OF HIS WICKEDNESS 11 The anti-Christian forces are today attempting to rehabilitate Judas. http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/lost-gospel-restores-judass-honour/2006/04/07/1143916664322.html 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).

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.'

PSALMS quoted by Peter in v20 Applied to Judas and the betrayal 13 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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)?

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

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.

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

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;

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 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 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

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?

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

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;

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;

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

ONLY TWO WERE QUALIFIED 32 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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: http://www.jameslindlibrary.org/essays/casting_of_lots/casting.html

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 15-17 Land of Canaan divided Josh 7:16-18; Achan SIN discovered this way 44

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

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 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;

v26 The Lot fell to MATTHIAS 48 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?

From a Medieval Wall Painting 49 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

V26 The Lot fell to MATTHIAS 50 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

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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