Acts 1:12-26
12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”
18 (With the payment he received 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.)
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.’
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living 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.”
23 So they nominated 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.
Preparing for a New Era
The Book of Acts begins with two highlights: The promise of the Holy Spirit in leading the global mission (1:8), and the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven (1:9). This passage (1:12-26) connects two important eras—the Incarnation of Jesus Christ (including His Crucifixion and Resurrection depicted in the Four Gospels) and the work of the Holy Spirit demonstrated in Acts. In these verses, the apostles and disciples prepared for an exciting new era almost two thousand years ago.
First of all, these faithful believers (a group of 120) continually devoted themselves with one mind to prayer and supplication in the upper room (1:14). While they trusted the promise of the Spirit that would come to guide them, they did not know when or how that Spirit would arrive. Ten days (between the Ascension and the Pentecost) might seem short, but it was an important test of faith for the early Christians. In time of uncertainty and not knowing what to do, the disciples could only pray constantly and wait for God’s work.
During this period of prayerful waiting, they also chose Matthias to replace Judas as the 12th apostle. There is no reference to Matthias in the gospels or the rest of Acts, but it is commonly believed that like most of the apostles (except for John, who died “naturally” in his old age), Matthias was martyred (stoned to death in Jerusalem) for his faith. Just like Matthias, the lives and ministries of many disciples were not recorded in the New Testament, but they are “a great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) who surround us, so that we can have enduring faith on this pilgrim’s journey together. It is not important that people or history remember us; what matters is the eternal reward of contributing to the work of the kingdom.
If you are currently in a stage of waiting, uncertainty or transition, may the Holy Spirit guide you step-by-step to experience His faithfulness and promise. Pray continually in this season, and God will meet you right where you are.
Reflection Questions:
1) How important is prayer in your faith journey? Where and when is your “upper room”?
2) What are your current main goals in your life? Do these personal goals have kingdom purpose?
3) Are you entering a new stage in your life? How will you prepare for this new era?
Author Bio
Paul Chen is the senior pastor of Ottawa Mandarin Alliance Church (OMAC). Paul grew up in Taiwan. He and his wife Sophia came to Canada 30 years ago to pursue graduate study. He became a Christian and was baptized at OMAC in 1995. After receiving God’s calling, Paul & his family moved to Vancouver for seminary education. They returned to Ottawa and have served at OMAC for the past 17 years. Paul & Sophia have two adult kids and one senior dog.
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Luke and Acts taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®
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