ACTS - WEEK 2

READ ACTS 1:12-26

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

“‘May his camp become desolate,
    and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

and

“‘Let another take his office.’

21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

DISCUSS

1. What things stand out from this passage? What questions does it raise for you?

2. Verse 14 shows a church united in prayer, looking back at what has happened previously (verses 1-11 that we looked at last week) what might be shaping their prayers?

3. In Luke 22, Judas betrays Jesus for financial reward. How does Judas’ fate as reported here serve as a warning about the ultimate ‘reward’ for wickedness?

4. Judas’ betrayal of Jesus could be seen as a major blow to the Jesus movement, what does this passage say about God’s sovereignty, his plans and his purposes?

5. What does the criteria laid out for choosing Judas’ replacement show about what the main role of the apostles was to be going forward?

6. In choosing Judas’ replacement, the disciples both use their own reasoning in selecting appropriate candidates but also seek God’s specific guidance in whom they should choose.

What might we learn about decision making from this example? What parts of this of this might not necessarily apply to us?

APPLY.

This passage shows that even Judas’ sin and betrayal of Jesus ultimately doesn’t thwart God’s plans, and the mission carries forward regardless. How have you seen God continue to work even in the face of sin/ brokenness or apparent setbacks?

PRAY.

Are the any areas of life to be bringing to God in prayer as you think about ways you need guidance for decisions you are needing to make, or ways for God to open doors for the gospel to go out?