We begin Acts! It’s a big book. I note that Luke completes the post-resurrection information missing at the end of Mark.
The plot is contained in Jesus’ statement in Acts 1:8,
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.”
What do you have to say?
I love this book! Go God! 🔥🔥🔥
It’s really interesting to me that the disciples felt the need to organize from the very beginning. Why did they need to replace Judas? Why not just add both Joseph and Matthias if they were both qualified? I looked it up and Peter is referencing Psalm 109:8. I’m so curious why this particular Psalm came to Peter’s mind, and why he understood it to be a prophesy about Judas. I don’t know that I would have made that connection. In modern speak, it seems like he’s pulling a verse out of context to apply it for his own purposes. But it’s God’s Word so I accept that Peter understood something I don’t.
A couple of things. I’m sure having 12 was an important consideration, connecting this group to the 12 tribes of Israel. And I’d bet they would be thinking that if that’s the number Jesus picked, we’d better do it too. But I take your point. Seems like they could have left it alone. We also should give credit to the holy spirit’s work, since he is active all through the book of Acts. But I also think that it may have been common for certain “pet” Old Testament sayings to be memorized for certain occasions. Don’t you have some go to verses that you might use for various occasions? Like Deuteronomy 31:8 when connecting with someone who is dealing with sadness or depression? “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”