Acts 1:15-20

Acts 1:15-20

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,)

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.

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

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.

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.

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.

a. Gordon Lindsay, Acts in Action. “Quoting from Psalm 69:25, the apostle pointed out that someone had to be chosen to take Judas’ place. He saw the passage in Psalms 109:6-8 as reference to Judas, and thus a warrant  for the appointment for a successor. They understood that it would not be fitting to leave the apostalate short by one, when the total was fixed by Christ to be twelve, thus corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28).

b. The Scriptures Peter quoted from are both in the book of Psalms.

1). Psalm 69:25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.

2). Psalm 109:8 Let his days be few; and let another take his office.

c. Stanley M. Horton, The Book Of Acts, “What Peter saw in the Scriptures caused him to stand up and draw attention to the fulfillment of David’s prophecy spoken by the Spirit, concerning Judas who acted as a guide to those who arrested Jesus. Peter recognized that the Holy Spirit is the real author of God’s Word and that what David said about his enemies applied to the enemies of Jesus, since David is a type pointing to Jesus.”