3. Replacing the Twelfth
Hymns: RHC 448 The King’s Business 446 Lord, Speak to Me 459 So Send I You
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 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. 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. 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. 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. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Replacing the Twelfth
OUTLINE
- According to Scriptures (v15-20)
- According to God’s choosing (v21-26)
INTRODUCTION
There was a man whom God saved and called to the ministry as a pastor who recounted how God saved him and brought him to church. He had that emptiness in his heart yearning for God to fill his life. He was scheduled to go for a Europe tour with his wife. He testified that one Lord’s Day before he left for the tour, he went at an invitation to a local church in his country. As he sat through the service, he observed the sanctify of the sanctuary, there was a sense of holiness in that place, the ushers were behaving in a very orderly and dignified and godly manner, which he could sense, that he was in the presence of God in worship. Then he went for his tour. He visited so many great cathedrals and churches in Europe during that tour and he could not see or feel the presence of God as he did in that local church.
Later he testified how he realized that there is that sense of holiness in the sanctuary of God in that local church. There was that fear of God in the hearts of the people that he could sense that he was in the presence of God. Many of the cathedrals and churches have been turned into theatres and places of entertainment.
Upon his return, he began to worship each Lord’s Day in that local church. He received Jesus Christ into his life. That began the spiritual journey in his life where his one sole ambition in life was the know Jesus deeply and to preach Jesus fully!
Today, he devoted his life in the proclamation of the gospel. He is the pastor of a thriving congregation actively witnessing for Christ.
Indeed, he understood from the deepest recesses of his heart that Jesus Christ is the only hope for this world. The souls that are perishing without hope will perish without hope if there are not reached with this good news, this gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dear friends, can you articulate if someone ask you what is the church? May I submit to you, the Church is God’s people! The word “church” is from the Greek words “ecclesia” which means “called out one”. The term is derived from the root verb “kaleo” which means “to call”. The church is therefore a people called out by God.
We are a privileged people separated from sin unto holiness, we are a purchased people in intimate fellowship with the living and true God and we are a protected people destined for heaven.
The Apostle Paul said summarized well in the book of Ephesians that we are a people chosen by the Father, purchased by the Son and Sealed by the Holy Spirit. This is the big picture, the big idea that gives us the origin of the church that I hope you will remember.
And I proceed to ask another question. What is the purpose for its existence? A church needs to understand from the very beginning what it is so that it can know what direction it should be going. The truth, dear friends, is that God is at work in this world, through His church. God’s purpose is fulfilled through His church.
Our text brings us to the infant church in its prayer meeting. It was a prayer meeting that lasted 10 days, a part of the period of 40 years from the time after Jesus’ ascension to the time to the giving of the Holy Spirit to fill the disciples to be witnesses for Christ from Jerusalem to the uttermost part of the world.
They were tarrying with the Lord in united prayer meeting. These men knew and understood the efficacy of prayer. They were willing to give priority to fulfil God’s will in their lives waiting upon God to show them the way.
Two thoughts for today:
- According to Scriptures (v15-20)
- According to God’s choosing (v21-26)
(1) According to Scriptures (v15-20)
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 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.
The disciples submitted themselves entirely to God praying fervently for guidance and protection. Jerusalem is not a safe place for Christians. Their Lord has just been crucified not too long ago.
What were the disciples doing in their gathering? They were searching the Old Testament Scriptures.
Psalm 25:4-5 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Indeed, we are to seek true guidance from the Lord in all the major decisions in life and He will certainly show His way or overrule our circumstances.
As one pastor says, “Two things go together in the Christian life: prayer in which we talk to God and Bible study in which God talks to us. Prayer is of great importance. But somebody once said, I think wisely, that when we’re talking to God and God is talking to us, we had better met God do most of the talking. In other words, we should spend most of our time in Bible Study.”[1]
The scriptures are the basis to know God’s will. The disciples took time to search the Old Testament for prophesies for predictions concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During His 40-day ministry to the apostles after the resurrection, Jesus had taught them from all of the Old Testament concerning Himself (Luke 24:44-45).
Luke 24:44-53 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Thus, during these ten days after His ascension and before Pentecost, the disciples were poring over Scripture, seeking to understand in more depth the things that Jesus had been explaining.[2]
Peter had not only been praying with one accord with the rest. He also had been spending time in God’s Word.
His sermon on the Day of Pentecost is filled with Scripture that he recites from memory (2:17-21, 25-28, 34-35).
Here, he quotes from Psalm 69:25 and 109:8 to cite reasons why Judas had defected and why his position should be filled by someone else.
Psalm 69:25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.
Psalm 109:8 Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
He affirms that David did not write the Psalms by his own volition, but rather through the Holy Spirit (1:16).
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
As the disciples were gathered, it was a time of reflection, quiet thoughts reviewing the events that have transpired. Peter recalled how Judas betrayed the Lord.
It was at the Last Supper in the Upper Room that Jesus was betrayed.
Judas’ defection and suicide had been difficult for the disciples to understand. How could a man chosen by Christ for such a high privilege turn against Him? Had Jesus made a mistake in choosing Judas? Why would God let such a terrible thing happen? Peter and the other apostles found help with these difficult questions by going to God’s Word. “The Scripture must needs to be fulfilled” (1:16).
Matthew 26:14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
We see Judas going straight to the high priest. You recall Jesus had already cleansed the temple on the Monday morning and the Jewish leaders were looking for an opportunity to lay their hands upon Him.
We see here no bargaining. 30 pieces of silver was agreed. The price was not high, as it was the same as the fine for killing a slave accidentally.
Judas was willing to sell the King of kings for the price of a slave. The money was immediately weighed out for him fulfilling Zechariah 11:12, predicting how Judas was not going to take the risk of betraying Christ and then going away uncompensated. He knew very well that if he did not carry out what he had promised, the Jews would have him arrested anytime.
16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
We see here a man who seemed void of any morals. His Master had been so good to him, taught him everything he knew and this is what he would do to Him!
The man who desires to get rich falls into a spiritual trap (1 Tim. 6:7-10). The snare of unlawful gains.
1 Timothy 6:7-10 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Recall Judas was angry when Mary anointed his Master with precious perfume for burial. He said what a waste.
John 12:4-5 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, 5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
John 12:6-7 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. 7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 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.
Indeed, by the time morning came, they had found the charge against Jesus: Treason against Rome. The reason is made official.
Matthew 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
The verdict of handing Jesus over to the Roman authorities causes an emotional response from Judas, the treasurer of the group. It causes Judas to be very remorseful. Realizing his sin of betraying innocent blood, Judas offered the money back to the chief priests and elders. This was the deadly fruit of treachery. These godless, lawless men refused wash their hands from the matter, refusing to hear Judas.
We observe here how Judas was remorseful. But it was not a godly repentance that leads to salvation. He was sorry for the effects which his crime brought upon himself, he was yet unwilling to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Saviour!
The word “repent” means to regret. It has the meaning of changing one’s mind or purpose after having done something regrettable.
In our text, you notice that the account of Judas’ sorrow and suicide is just a few verses after the godly contrition of Peter. This is, I believe, to help us contrast between biblical repentance and the unregenerate worldly sorrow that leads to death. We notice Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith will not fail so that his backsliding will only be temporary but we do not see the same for Judas, Jesus said “woe unto that man by whom He is betrayed (Luke 22:22b).
We see Jesus looking to Peter with love and concern that brought a convicting work of the Holy Spirit upon Peter’s heart. For Judas, there was no loving gaze he is a vessel of wrath prepared for destruction.
Both men were completely responsible for their actions. We see in Peter genuine repentance, but in Judas’ apostasy!
The word “repent” speaks of emotions with no indication of true biblical repentance. Judas had a change of mind in that he was sorry after reflecting on the results of what he had done. He was filled with grief, anguish and even indignation at the consequence of his action but it did not involve a true understanding of the nature of sin or a commitment to return to Christ and seek forgiveness from God.
Matthew emphasized the deep emotional aspect of Judas’ regret. When Peter became sorrowful his response was to pray to God and return to the disciples. He turned from disobedience to obedience. Judas, on the other hand, killed himself – a terrible act of sin.
Suicide was a pagan practice, an honourable act in the Greco-Roman world for one who betrayed his teacher.
Judas’ repentance was not for sin as committed against God and Christ but for the consequence of sin. His sorrow did not spring from a love and fear of God as holy, just, good and merciful – which is what true repentance does to a person.
It was more a foretaste of the regret that individuals suffer in hell. It was not a repentance that results from true saving faith but rather, a terrifying despair, it is a worldly humanistic repentance, one wallowing in self-pity and a tortured conscience.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Godly sorrow on the other hand acknowledges God and His commandments. Sorrow over God’s broken law and the dishonour brought to God’s name and turned with a new obedience.
4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.
Judas’ wickedness is attested by his confession to the chief priests that he had betrayed innocent blood that Jesus was completely innocent. It proves that Judas betrayed Jesus with wicked motive and that Jesus was truly the Messiah, the sinless Son of God.
You see how terrible it is to keep company with the wicked. There is no genuine love amongst the wicked it is only self-interest.
Matthew 27:5 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.
In desperation Judas threw down the pieces of silver in the temple where only the priests could go, then went out and committed suicide. Acts 1:18 described the terrible scene of Judas’ death.
Acts 1:18 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.
Comparing this narrative with Acts 1:18, we conclude that he hanged himself on a tree, that the rope or branch broke, and that his body was hurled over a precipice, causing it to be disemboweled.
6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 10 And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.
They used the money to buy a potter’s field where unclean Gentile strangers might be buried. It has been a Field of Blood for that guilty nation ever since. The chief priests unwittingly fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy that the burial money would be used to make a purchase from a potter (Zech. 11:12, 13)
Zechariah 11:12-13 (KJV) 12 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. 13 And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.
30 pieces of silver is the price of a slave, it is 4 months of salary for a common worker.
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.
Here, he quotes from Psalm 69:25 and 109:8 to cite reasons why Judas had defected and why his position should be filled by someone else.
Psalm 69:25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.
Psalm 109:8 Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
He affirms that David did not write the Psalms by his own volition, but rather through the Holy Spirit (1:16).
Indeed, as one pastor observed well, “Judas represented the greatest example of wasted opportunity in all of history. He had the rare privilege, given to only 12 men, of living and ministering with Jesus Christ, God incarnate, for 3 years. He had the same convincing, overwhelming opportunity to come to faith in Him as the eleven did. Yet his motives for following Jesus were never anything but selfish.”
(2) According to God’s Choosing (v21-26)
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22Beginning 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. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
The apostles submitted to God’s sovereign will in their selection.
First, they listed the spiritual qualifications. The man had to have followed Jesus from the earliest days of His earthly ministry, and he had to be a witness of the risen Saviour.
Two men were qualified. One of these, outwardly, seemed to be better qualified. He was nicknamed “Justus,” a Latin name meaning “just” or “righteous.”
His Jewish name, “Barsabbas,” probably meant that he was born on the Sabbath. But they didn’t pick him based on outward qualifications.
They prayed, “Lord, You know the hearts of all men. Show us which one of these two You have chosen.” Then they determined the Lord’s choice by casting lots. This involved putting each man’s name on separate stones of similar size. The one that fell out of the pot first was the choice.
This was an acceptable means of determining God’s will in the Old Testament (Leviticus 16:8 cf. Numbers 26:55; Joshua 7:14; 1 Samuel 10:20, 14:4 cf. Proverbs 16:33; 18:18).
Proverbs 16:33 (KJV) The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
Proverbs 18:18 (KJV) The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Leviticus 16:8 (KJV) And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
Numbers 26:55 (KJV) Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.
Joshua 7:14 (KJV) In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.
1 Samuel 10:20 (KJV) And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken.
1 Samuel 14:41-42 (KJV) Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped. 42 And Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.
But this is the last instance of it in the Bible, indicating that since the Holy Spirit has been given, it is no longer a valid means of determining God’s will. That’s what the apostles did here. They weren’t voting for their favorite candidate. They were submissive to God’s will. They let Jesus, who chose the original twelve (1:2), choose Judas’ replacement.
The infant church was preparing itself for the subsequent growth that will come and the leadership was strengthened with another witness that is likeminded to co-labour for the extension of God’s kingdom.
The disciples prayed and sought the Lord’s will before the lot is cast.
CONCLUSION
- According to Scriptures (v15-20) (2) According to God’s choosing (v21-26)
[1] James Montgomery Boice, Acts – An Expositional Commentary, Baker Books, 2006, 35.