Acts 1:15-26 Acts 1:15-26

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Next verses to StudyNext verses to Study

Acts 1:15-26; Acts 1:15-26;

APOINTMENT OF APOINTMENT OF MATTHIASMATTHIAS

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Judas has just made his bargainto betray Jesus.

APPOINTING A SUBSTITUTE FOR APPOINTING A SUBSTITUTE FOR JUDASJUDAS

APPOINTING A SUBSTITUTE FOR APPOINTING A SUBSTITUTE FOR JUDASJUDAS

Acts 1:15-22Acts 1:15-22 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a

group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of

David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus- 17 he was one of our number and who arrested Jesus- 17 he was one of our number and

shared in this ministry."shared in this ministry."

Acts 1:15-22Acts 1:15-22 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a

group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of

David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus- 17 he was one of our number and who arrested Jesus- 17 he was one of our number and

shared in this ministry."shared in this ministry."

v16v16

HOLY SPIRIT HOLY SPIRIT SPOKESPOKE by the by the

MOUTH of DavidMOUTH of David

David David SPOKESPOKE by by INSPIRATIONINSPIRATION

In the O.T.In the O.T.

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Verbal or PlenaryVerbal or Plenary INSPIRATION INSPIRATION

2 Sam 23:2; Jer 1:9;2 Sam 23:2; Jer 1:9;

2 Pet 1:21; 2 Tim 3:16;2 Pet 1:21; 2 Tim 3:16;

Living Bible -Living Bible -2 Timothy 3:16 2 Timothy 3:16 The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration

from God and is useful to teach us what is true from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.

5 2 Peter 1:21 2 Peter 1:21 for no prophecy has ever yet originated in for no prophecy has ever yet originated in

man's will, but men who were led by the man's will, but men who were led by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.Holy Spirit spoke from God.

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Akeldama in Kidron Valley, Jerusalem

18(With the reward he got for his 18(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in

Jerusalem heard about this, so they called Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that that field in their language Akeldama, that

is, Field of Blood.)is, Field of Blood.)

18(With the reward he got for his 18(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in

Jerusalem heard about this, so they called Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that that field in their language Akeldama, that

is, Field of Blood.)is, Field of Blood.)

v17v17 Judas had been one of the Judas had been one of the original Apostles original Apostles Lk 6:13Lk 6:13;;

v18-19v18-19

Luke tells us several things about Luke tells us several things about JUDASJUDAS

Judas purchased a field with the Judas purchased a field with the wages of sinwages of sin

Judas then died aJudas then died a horriblehorrible death death

Field became known as the Field became known as the field field of bloodof blood

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v19v19

LukeLuke says that the name was says that the name was given because of the horrible given because of the horrible

way that Judas diedway that Judas died

MatthewMatthew said that it was because said that it was because it was purchased with it was purchased with BLOODBLOOD

money money Matt 27:6-8;Matt 27:6-8;

Both statements are correctBoth statements are correct

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v18-19v18-19Again SOME claim that Matthew and Luke Again SOME claim that Matthew and Luke

contradict each othercontradict each otherMatt 27:5Matt 27:5; Judas ; Judas HANGEDHANGED himself? himself?

Luke that he Luke that he FELLFELL and his bowels burst? and his bowels burst?

REESE: Judas hung until decay caused his body to fall,

then it burst open

NOTNOT contradictory but complimentary gives contradictory but complimentary gives additional informationadditional information

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v18-19v18-19Again SOME claim that Matthew and Luke Again SOME claim that Matthew and Luke

contradict each othercontradict each otherMatt 27:5Matt 27:5; Judas ; Judas HANGEDHANGED himself? himself?

Luke that he Luke that he FELLFELL and his bowels burst? and his bowels burst?

NOTNOT contradictory but complimentary gives contradictory but complimentary gives additional informationadditional information

Matt 26:51; John 18:10;Matt 26:51; John 18:10;One who drew the sword was Peter and the One who drew the sword was Peter and the

servants name was Malchus servants name was Malchus

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JUDAS LOST HIS POSITION OF LEADERSHIPJUDAS LOST HIS POSITION OF LEADERSHIPBECAUSE OF HIS WICKEDNESSBECAUSE OF HIS WICKEDNESS

JUDAS LOST HIS POSITION OF LEADERSHIPJUDAS LOST HIS POSITION OF LEADERSHIPBECAUSE OF HIS WICKEDNESSBECAUSE OF HIS WICKEDNESS

The anti-Christian forces are today attempting to The anti-Christian forces are today attempting to rehabilitate Judas. 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 The Bible here and elsewhere says he performed a

wicked act when he betrayed Jesus into the hands wicked act when he betrayed Jesus into the hands of His enemies for money.of His enemies for money.

Jesus Himself called Judas a devil Jesus Himself called Judas a devil (John 6:70-71)(John 6:70-71)..

The anti-Christian forces are today attempting to The anti-Christian forces are today attempting to rehabilitate Judas. 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 The Bible here and elsewhere says he performed a

wicked act when he betrayed Jesus into the hands wicked act when he betrayed Jesus into the hands of His enemies for money.of His enemies for money.

Jesus Himself called Judas a devil Jesus Himself called Judas a devil (John 6:70-71)(John 6:70-71)..

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

"'May his place be deserted; "'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' let there be no one to dwell in it,'

and, "'May another take his place of and, "'May another take his place of leadership.'leadership.'

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

"'May his place be deserted; "'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' let there be no one to dwell in it,'

and, "'May another take his place of and, "'May another take his place of leadership.'leadership.'

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PSALMS quoted by Peter in v20PSALMS quoted by Peter in v20

Also by Jesus Jn 13:18;Also by Jesus Jn 13:18;

Applied to Judas and the betrayalApplied to Judas and the betrayal

Psa 41:9;Psa 41:9;

Yes, my own familiar friend, in Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate of my whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel bread, hath lifted up [his] heel

against me.against me.

v20v20

Psa 69:25; Psa 109:8;Psa 69:25; Psa 109:8;

JudgementJudgement against the Christ’s against the Christ’s betrayer betrayer

CompareCompare also also Psa 69:9 Psa 69:9 with with John John 2:17;2:17;

alsoalso Psa 69:21Psa 69:21; with ; with Matt 27:34,48Matt 27:34,48;;

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v20v20 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

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v20v20 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

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17

John the Baptizer baptizes Jesus.

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from and out among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus John's baptism to the time when Jesus

was taken up from us. For one of was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us these must become a witness with us

of his resurrection."of his resurrection."

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from and out among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus John's baptism to the time when Jesus

was taken up from us. For one of was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us these must become a witness with us

of his resurrection."of his resurrection."

18 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.

Discussion Question: Discussion Question: What requirements did What requirements did

Peter list for someone to Peter list for someone to be an apostle be an apostle (v 21)?(v 21)?

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20 An apostle of Christ had to be a witness of An apostle of Christ had to be a witness of everything Jesus did throughout His entire everything Jesus did throughout His entire

ministry. ministry.

From Baptism of John till the ascension of Christ From Baptism of John till the ascension of Christ into heaven into heaven John 15:26-27; with him from John 15:26-27; with him from

beginningbeginning Jesus’ ministry began at His baptism by John. Jesus’ ministry began at His baptism by John.

This man also had to have been a witness of the This man also had to have been a witness of the resurrection of Jesus. resurrection of Jesus.

This means he had to have seen and recognized This means he had to have seen and recognized Him after His resurrection as the same person Him after His resurrection as the same person

he had known before His resurrection.he had known before His resurrection.

An apostle of Christ had to be a witness of An apostle of Christ had to be a witness of everything Jesus did throughout His entire everything Jesus did throughout His entire

ministry. ministry.

From Baptism of John till the ascension of Christ From Baptism of John till the ascension of Christ into heaven into heaven John 15:26-27; with him from John 15:26-27; with him from

beginningbeginning Jesus’ ministry began at His baptism by John. Jesus’ ministry began at His baptism by John.

This man also had to have been a witness of the This man also had to have been a witness of the resurrection of Jesus. resurrection of Jesus.

This means he had to have seen and recognized This means he had to have seen and recognized Him after His resurrection as the same person Him after His resurrection as the same person

he had known before His resurrection.he had known before His resurrection.

21 He also had to have been present at every He also had to have been present at every appearance of Jesus after His appearance of Jesus after His

resurrection during the forty days after resurrection during the forty days after His resurrection. His resurrection.

He was also required to have been a He was also required to have been a witness of Jesus’ ascension.witness of Jesus’ ascension.

He must He must have personally seen have personally seen and be and be willing and able to tell otherswilling and able to tell others

I’m sure there were other qualifications I’m sure there were other qualifications such as good character and a record of such as good character and a record of

ethical behavior, but these were taken for ethical behavior, but these were taken for granted so were not mentioned by Peter.granted so were not mentioned by Peter.

He also had to have been present at every He also had to have been present at every appearance of Jesus after His appearance of Jesus after His

resurrection during the forty days after resurrection during the forty days after His resurrection. His resurrection.

He was also required to have been a He was also required to have been a witness of Jesus’ ascension.witness of Jesus’ ascension.

He must He must have personally seen have personally seen and be and be willing and able to tell otherswilling and able to tell others

I’m sure there were other qualifications I’m sure there were other qualifications such as good character and a record of such as good character and a record of

ethical behavior, but these were taken for ethical behavior, but these were taken for granted so were not mentioned by Peter.granted so were not mentioned by Peter.

Why so importantWhy so important

Had to Had to proveprove that the that the Christ JesusChrist Jesus

was truly was truly the long awaited the long awaited MESSIAHMESSIAH

John 1:41; Lk 24:44;John 1:41; Lk 24:44;

ALL THINGS MUST BE ALL THINGS MUST BE FULLFILLEDFULLFILLED

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Why so importantWhy so important

They had to They had to PROVEPROVE that the that the Christ Christ SUFFEREDSUFFERED andand ROSEROSE

Rom 1:4; declaredRom 1:4; declared to beto be Son of GodSon of God withwith power throughpower through thethe resurrectionresurrection

ONLYONLY thethe ApostlesApostles served asserved as

EYE WITNESSESEYE WITNESSES

2:32; 3:15; 5:29-32; 10:39-41; 13:30-31; 2:32; 3:15; 5:29-32; 10:39-41; 13:30-31; 4:33; 4:33;

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Force of the testimonyForce of the testimony

12 in Number 12 in Number (not just one or two)(not just one or two)

UNITEDUNITED in testimony in testimony

FEARLESSFEARLESS in testimony in testimony

(even to the point of death)(even to the point of death)

Resurrection of JesusResurrection of Jesus from the dead is from the dead is the the FOUNDATION FOUNDATION of the Christians of the Christians

faith. As seen in faith. As seen in 1 Cor 15:171 Cor 15:17; ; John John 17:20; & 20:28-20; 17:20; & 20:28-20;

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OUR RESPONSIBILITYOUR RESPONSIBILITY

NONENONE of us canof us can WITNESS WITNESS in the in the same way as thesame way as the ApostlesApostles could could

because because NONENONE of us can of us can FULFILLFULFILL thethe qualifications qualifications of of

thesethese first witnessesfirst witnesses

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OUR RESPONSIBILITYOUR RESPONSIBILITY

WeWe must must TEACHTEACH what the eye what the eye witnesses of Jesus THROUGH witnesses of Jesus THROUGH

thethe Holy SpiritHoly Spirit have have RECORDEDRECORDED for us for us to teach to teach in in

the word ofthe word of GodGod

2 Tim 4:2 Mark 16:15 Matt 28:28 2 Tim 4:2 Mark 16:15 Matt 28:28

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Discussion Question:Discussion Question: Luke 24:53 Luke 24:53

What changed the What changed the apostles for them to apostles for them to become so fearless?become so fearless?

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The Apostles wereThe Apostles were

v2 Personally chosen by Deityv2 Personally chosen by Deity

v8v8 Witnesses of Christ Witnesses of Christ

v22v22 Having been with Jesus from John’s Having been with Jesus from John’s baptism until Christ’s ascensionbaptism until Christ’s ascension

v22v22 To haveTo have PERSONALLY witnessedPERSONALLY witnessed thethe resurrection.resurrection.

To receive miraculous power throughTo receive miraculous power through thethe Holy Spirit Holy Spirit to do several thingsto do several things

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The POWER was to enable them to:The POWER was to enable them to:

Have Have BROUGHTBROUGHT to their to their remembranceremembrance without error without error ALLALL

that that JesusJesus had had PERSONALLYPERSONALLY taught themtaught them. . John 14:26;John 14:26;

To To RECORDRECORD without error without error ALLALL of of the the TRUTHTRUTH. . John 16:13; 1 Cor John 16:13; 1 Cor

14:37;14:37;

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The POWER was to enable them The POWER was to enable them to:to:

CONFIRMCONFIRM the the MESSAGEMESSAGE was was FROM GOD FROM GOD by theby the MIGHTYMIGHTY

MIRACLESMIRACLES that they were that they were able to work.able to work.

2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:4;2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:4;

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v23v23

Only TWO MEN Only TWO MEN met the met the strictstrict qualificationsqualifications

TheThe APOSTLESAPOSTLES pray topray to GODGOD

Heb 7:27Heb 7:27;;

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32

Casting lots was something like drawing a name from a hat.

ONLY TWO WERE QUALIFIEDONLY TWO WERE QUALIFIEDONLY TWO WERE QUALIFIEDONLY TWO WERE QUALIFIED Acts 1:23-26Acts 1:23-26

23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and

Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, "Lord, you Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these know everyone's heart. Show us which of these

two you have chosen 25 to take over this two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven

apostles.apostles.

Acts 1:23-26Acts 1:23-26 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called

Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, "Lord, you Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, "Lord, you

know everyone's heart. Show us which of these know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this two you have chosen 25 to take over this

apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven

apostles.apostles.

v24v24

The Apostles recognised that only God The Apostles recognised that only God could make the choice. could make the choice.

Jesus CHOSEJesus CHOSE the 12 the 12 now Godnow God would would CHOSECHOSE the replacement the replacement

The REPLACEMENT The REPLACEMENT of an of an APOSTLE APOSTLE is NOT something for is NOT something for MEN MEN to doto do

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v24-25v24-25

Both men met the strict qualificationsBoth men met the strict qualifications

But But ONLY GodONLY God would would knowknow the the hearts hearts of these men of these men and make the proper and make the proper

choice.choice.

1 Chron 28:91 Chron 28:9;; the Lord searches all the Lord searches all heartshearts

Psa 139:1-4Psa 139:1-4;; understand my thoughtsunderstand my thoughts

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v24-25v24-25

Both men met the strict Both men met the strict qualificationsqualifications

But But ONLY GodONLY God would would knowknow the the hearts of these men hearts of these men and make and make

the proper choice.the proper choice.

Heb 4:12-13; discerner of the Heb 4:12-13; discerner of the intent of the heartintent of the heart

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v24-25v24-25

Both men met the strict qualificationsBoth men met the strict qualifications

and and ONLY GodONLY God knows knows OUROUR hearts hearts whatwhat CANCAN we do.we do.

Prov 4:23; protect our hearts from evil.Prov 4:23; protect our hearts from evil.

2 Cor 10:5; Keep our thoughts under 2 Cor 10:5; Keep our thoughts under controlcontrol

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v24-25v24-25

Both men met the strict qualificationsBoth men met the strict qualifications

and and ONLY GodONLY God knows knows OUROUR hearts hearts whatwhat CANCAN we we dodo..

Prov 4:23; protect our hearts from evil.Prov 4:23; protect our hearts from evil.

2 Cor 7:1; cleanse our flesh strive for 2 Cor 7:1; cleanse our flesh strive for HOLINESSHOLINESS

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v24-25v24-25

Both men met the strict qualificationsBoth men met the strict qualifications

and and ONLY GodONLY God knows OUR knows OUR heartshearts what what CANCAN we do.we do.

Matt 5:8; blessedMatt 5:8; blessed are theare the PUREPURE inin heart.heart.

Phil 4:8; think on thatPhil 4:8; think on that which iswhich is true pure true pure noble honest etcnoble honest etc

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v24-25v24-25

Both men met the strict Both men met the strict qualificationsqualifications

and and ONLY GodONLY God knows OUR knows OUR heartshearts whatwhat CANCAN we do.we do.

AS WE THINK IN OUR AS WE THINK IN OUR HEARTS SO WE WILL ACTHEARTS SO WE WILL ACT

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v25v25

Strong words used about JudasStrong words used about Judas

v17v17 In every way In every way an Apostle an Apostle

YETYET

v16 Guided v16 Guided those who arrested those who arrested JESUSJESUS

v25 He lost his position v25 He lost his position as an Apostleas an Apostle

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v25v25

Strong words used about JudasStrong words used about Judas

v25v25 Fell by sinning. Fell by sinning. 1 John 3:41 John 3:4;;

v18 v18 came to a came to a HORRIBLEHORRIBLE end end Matt Matt 27:5;27:5;

v19v19 His memorial – the field of blood His memorial – the field of blood

Luke 6:16Luke 6:16; described as a traitor; described as a traitor

Jn 12:6Jn 12:6; described as a thief; described as a thief

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v25v25

Strong words used about JudasStrong words used about Judas

Jn 17:12Jn 17:12; Jesus called him Son of ; Jesus called him Son of PERDITIONPERDITION

Act 1:26Act 1:26; went to his own place; went to his own place

Take care lest we also fallTake care lest we also fall

Gal 5:4; 1 Cor 9:27; 2 Pet 2:20-22Gal 5:4; 1 Cor 9:27; 2 Pet 2:20-22;;

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Casting LotsCasting LotsCasting LotsCasting Lots The words The words “lottery” “lottery” and and “lot,” “lot,” in the sense in the sense

of real property, were derived from the of real property, were derived from the original word.original word.

It seems that marked or colored stones were It seems that marked or colored stones were most often used in ancient times.most often used in ancient times.

To read an online article that gives a fuller To read an online article that gives a fuller discussion of this topic, go here:discussion of this topic, go here:

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

The words The words “lottery” “lottery” and and “lot,” “lot,” in the sense in the sense of real property, were derived from the of real property, were derived from the

original word.original word. It seems that marked or colored stones were It seems that marked or colored stones were

most often used in ancient times.most often used in ancient times.

To read an online article that gives a fuller To read an online article that gives a fuller discussion of this topic, go here:discussion of this topic, go here:

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

v26v26CASTING LOTSCASTING LOTS

some biblical examplessome biblical examples1 Chron 24:51 Chron 24:5; David divided the ; David divided the

priestspriestsNum 26:55; Josh ch 15-17 Num 26:55; Josh ch 15-17 Land of Land of

Canaan divided Canaan divided Josh 7:16-18Josh 7:16-18; Achan ; Achan SINSIN discovered discovered

this waythis way

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v26v26

CASTING LOTSCASTING LOTS

In casting lots the Jews were In casting lots the Jews were appealing to God not as part of a appealing to God not as part of a

voting process or election voting process or election

This is seen clearly in This is seen clearly in Prov 16:33;Prov 16:33;

The lot is cast God chooses The lot is cast God chooses

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v26v26

CASTING LOTSCASTING LOTS

This is the last time lots are This is the last time lots are recorded in the N.T.recorded in the N.T.

The Apostles were in a period of The Apostles were in a period of transition between the transition between the

ascension of Christ and the ascension of Christ and the coming of the Holy Spiritcoming of the Holy Spirit

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v26v26CASTING LOTSCASTING LOTS

It was a unique situation where they It was a unique situation where they could not ask Jesus and they had not could not ask Jesus and they had not

the inspired guidance of the Holy the inspired guidance of the Holy SpiritSpirit

We NOW We NOW have have access to all access to all that the that the SpiritSpirit revealed to the apostles in our revealed to the apostles in our

New Testament today New Testament today 2Pet 1:3-4; 2Tim 3:15-17; Phil 2:5; 2Pet 1:3-4; 2Tim 3:15-17; Phil 2:5;

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v26v26The Lot fell to MATTHIASThe Lot fell to MATTHIAS

They cast lots (similar to our They cast lots (similar to our drawing straws or picking a name drawing straws or picking a name

from a hat) to pick the replacement. from a hat) to pick the replacement. But with a far different intent They But with a far different intent They were not trusting to luck or fate but were not trusting to luck or fate but

to the guidance of Godto the guidance of God Should we make religious decisions Should we make religious decisions

in such a manner today?in such a manner today?

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49

Joseph and MatthiasFrom a Medieval Wall Painting

Joseph and MatthiasFrom a Medieval Wall Painting

There were two men who met all the There were two men who met all the qualifications. Both could have been qualifications. Both could have been

appointed if the number twelve were not appointed if the number twelve were not significant. significant.

But there were to be twelve and no more than But there were to be twelve and no more than twelve, at least for the first day of the twelve, at least for the first day of the

Kingdom, when the gospel was to be presented Kingdom, when the gospel was to be presented to the Jews.to the Jews.

The two men who were equally qualified were The two men who were equally qualified were Joseph, called Barsabbas or Justus, and Joseph, called Barsabbas or Justus, and

Matthias. Matthias.

There were two men who met all the There were two men who met all the qualifications. Both could have been qualifications. Both could have been

appointed if the number twelve were not appointed if the number twelve were not significant. significant.

But there were to be twelve and no more than But there were to be twelve and no more than twelve, at least for the first day of the twelve, at least for the first day of the

Kingdom, when the gospel was to be presented Kingdom, when the gospel was to be presented to the Jews.to the Jews.

The two men who were equally qualified were The two men who were equally qualified were Joseph, called Barsabbas or Justus, and Joseph, called Barsabbas or Justus, and

Matthias. Matthias.

V26V26The Lot fell to MATTHIASThe Lot fell to MATTHIAS

In making our decisions in matter of In making our decisions in matter of religion todayreligion today

We need to We need to SEARCHSEARCH the the WORDWORD of of GOD GOD

Consider the Consider the CONTEXT CONTEXT

THENTHEN PRAYERFULLY PRAYERFULLY make the make the applicationapplication

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51 The disciples prayed to God and asked The disciples prayed to God and asked Him to make the choice between the two Him to make the choice between the two men. After their prayer they cast lots, men. After their prayer they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. He then and the lot fell to Matthias. He then

became the twelfth apostle.became the twelfth apostle. Now everything is ready for the great day Now everything is ready for the great day

of Pentecost, the coming of the Power of Pentecost, the coming of the Power from on High, the first gospel sermon and from on High, the first gospel sermon and the beginning of the promised Kingdom, the beginning of the promised Kingdom,

also called the Church.also called the Church. It started small and grew to fill the It started small and grew to fill the

civilized world of the time.civilized world of the time.

The disciples prayed to God and asked The disciples prayed to God and asked Him to make the choice between the two Him to make the choice between the two men. After their prayer they cast lots, men. After their prayer they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. He then and the lot fell to Matthias. He then

became the twelfth apostle.became the twelfth apostle. Now everything is ready for the great day Now everything is ready for the great day

of Pentecost, the coming of the Power of Pentecost, the coming of the Power from on High, the first gospel sermon and from on High, the first gospel sermon and the beginning of the promised Kingdom, the beginning of the promised Kingdom,

also called the Church.also called the Church. It started small and grew to fill the It started small and grew to fill the

civilized world of the time.civilized world of the time.

Acts 1Acts 1

NOW WHAT? THE MISSION HAS

BEENASSIGNED THE MISSIONARIES HAVE BEEN

SELECTED THE POWER HAS NOT YET

COME

52

53

Judas IscariotJudas IscariotJudas IscariotJudas Iscariot

by Ellis Jonesby Ellis Jones

He had it all and lost it.He had it all and lost it.

The best job ever had.The best job ever had.

Jesus Himself chose him.Jesus Himself chose him.

Why did he turn so bad?Why did he turn so bad?

by Ellis Jonesby Ellis Jones

He had it all and lost it.He had it all and lost it.

The best job ever had.The best job ever had.

Jesus Himself chose him.Jesus Himself chose him.

Why did he turn so bad?Why did he turn so bad?

54

To know the Son of God,To know the Son of God,

In Person and up close,In Person and up close,

And then to sell Him out? -And then to sell Him out? -

The reason no one knows.The reason no one knows.

To know the Son of God,To know the Son of God,

In Person and up close,In Person and up close,

And then to sell Him out? -And then to sell Him out? -

The reason no one knows.The reason no one knows.

55

He was a full partnerHe was a full partner

In everything Christ did.In everything Christ did.

Nothing Jesus ever said,Nothing Jesus ever said,

From Judas’ ears was hid.From Judas’ ears was hid.

He was a full partnerHe was a full partner

In everything Christ did.In everything Christ did.

Nothing Jesus ever said,Nothing Jesus ever said,

From Judas’ ears was hid.From Judas’ ears was hid.

56

One of life’s great myst’riesOne of life’s great myst’ries

Is Satan, how he is.Is Satan, how he is.

Another one is JudasAnother one is Judas

And that unholy kiss.And that unholy kiss.

One of life’s great myst’riesOne of life’s great myst’ries

Is Satan, how he is.Is Satan, how he is.

Another one is JudasAnother one is Judas

And that unholy kiss.And that unholy kiss.