Acts 1:12-26
Introduction
Chapter 1
Jesus's ascension and promise of the Holy Spirit
The apostolic community and birth of the church
Prayer & Word
Notice the foundations of the church in our section: prayer at the beginning and end. The centrality of the Word of God.
I. Conclusion to the Ascension (1:12-14)
Incomplete (11) Apostles
Peter at the head (see v. 15)Devotion to Prayer (14)
Wonderful unity (ESV "one accord")
NIV "constantly in prayer" is a great translation; ESV "devoting themselves to prayer" there is sense where they are constantly — this is more than oneness
Note too 1:15 "in those days…" is a new section; time is passing and the church is praying!
Application
Between the Ascension and before Pentecost, how will this band of 120 do what Jesus commanded them?
y the power of God — so they petition God in prayer
The Early Church then here starts in prayer! Petitioning God for the gift of the Spirit so that they will fulfil the task giving.
II. A Guide for the Wicked (1:15-20)
1. Scriptures Fulfilled (16)
The early church also recognises the voice of Jesus; as Jesus proclaimed in John. The sheep hear his voice. They hear the voice of God "The Holy Spirit spoke…" (John 10).
There is no problem with the Spirit infallibly inspiring and utilising David who freely and with his own mind, writes these Psalms
2. Prophecies of Judas (20-21)
A. Judas is clearly responsible for his actions (18-19) - Judas sinned in turning over Jesus. He was responsible and punished.
B. But God clearly foreordained this to happen (20-21)
Psalms of Lamentation about Jesus and his betrayal (Ps. 69)
Application: A Guide to those who killed Jesus
A. Judas's life is an example to others who reject Jesus
The illustration is the life of Judas, it is as tragic as they come. Like the story of Icarus, he builds his wings to fly high, and flying too near the sun his wings melt and he falls to his doom. So Judas stood next to divinity! And still managed to not truly believe! What a strong warning.
B. Judas's life is a warning to all of us. He was with Jesus, he heard Jesus's teaching, saw first hand his miracles, how could someone do that — that was this close to Jesus?
This is true all throughout redemptive history, such as the Jews during the exodus, how did they commit idolatry?
The Bible warns us on numerous occasions about apostasy (I.e., Heb. 6).
Heb 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.
It is the Spirit that changes hearts, the Spirit that adopts us, the Spirit that keeps us.
III. A Witness to the Resurrection (1:21-26)
"Let another take his office" (Ps. 109)
Another Psalm of lament, speaking of Jesus and his enemies it calls upon curses upon those who will wage war against him. Part of that curse is that this person (or people) are removed from office.
The vacancy was not because of death but apostasy. So when other apostles die there is no replacement. It's a one-time office.
Applied generally in the Psalms originally Peter sees this as a curse on Judas specifically.
1. Qualifications of an Apostle (21-23)
Having 'witnessed' to Jesus's ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. This gives them two choices Joseph and Matthias
We don't have apostles any more today. We have the apostolic word!
Think of what both men are volunteering for. Jesus has just died, James will be killed in AD 41 (12:2). Peter will be martyred. Paul will be killed.
2. The Lord's sovereign choice (24-26)
Given the choice between to viable candidates (in other words the Apostles used their brains!) they leave the final choice up to "The Lord"
Likely here referring to Jesus, who is sovereign over the church. Just as Jesus choose the apostles on earth (1:2), so he chooses now from his throne
We end on prayer. They pray to Jesus. (24)
Completion: before the Spirit comes we have a complete set of apostles. Remember Jesus chose 12. There are 12 tribes, 12 sons, 12 thrones on which they will sit. The Apostles form the foundation of the church (Eph 2:20), with Jesus as the Chief cornerstone.
Application
Just as in the children's talk we rolled the dice to pick a new leader. So they trusted in God. But let's note that this is the last instance of choosing apostles this way!
Nonetheless we still choose offices based on and assume Christ has called them. For elders and deacons and ministers, we assume a prior call that we then discern.
“The focus of the leaders of the church should not be on strategies, methods, and techniques, but on the person and work if Jesus Christ”. Note how our New Testaments start with FOUR accounts of Jesus’s life!
Restored Israel. Now they can begin their work.
Application
We shouldn't lose this theme. Jesus chooses the next apostle. Jesus will send the Spirit. The book of Acts is all about Jesus ruling and working through his church! Restored Israel, the 12, now ready to begin.
But this is not a passive acting. It's a prayerful, petition, thinking, and it will be - working, preaching, dying, all while having faith in the sovereign Lord upon his throne! Notice Luke’s emphasis on prayer as it bookends the end of this chapter.
Clearly we are not the apostles. We aren't called to the same work, exactly. But we are called to this task of worship, evangelism, and prayer, founded upon the Word of God, and empowered by the Spirit — all while Jesus rules as we wait till his return!
I need to hear how much prayer is effective. I need to engage in prayer more! I need to trust in the power of the Spirit more. As do all of us. But look at the prayers of chapter 1 and then the results in 2 through the end! That should encourage us!
