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ACTS CHAPTER ONE
OBSERVATION STAGE
The purpose of
the observation stage is to maintain focus on the text at hand within the
normative rules of language, context and logic 
.which largely limits the observer to the
content offered by the books of Luke and Acts. Other passages must have a
relationship with the context at hand, such as a Scriptural quotation or
reference in the passage at hand. This will serve to avoid going on
unnecessary tangents elsewhere; and more importantly, it will provide the
framework for a proper and objective comparison with passages located
elsewhere in Scripture.
Remember that something elsewhere may be true, but in the text at hand it may not be in view.
(Acts 1:1 NASB) '''The [former] account I [made], Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach,
(Acts 1:2 YLT) till the day in which, having given command, through the Holy Spirit, to the apostles whom He [chose], He was taken up [in the sense of to heaven, (cf. Acts 1:10; Lk 24:51]
(Acts 1:3 NKJV) to whom [referring to the apostles] He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
(Acts 1:4 NKJV) And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said "you ... heard from Me;
(Acts 1:5 AV) For John indeed baptized with water; but [you] shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence."
(Acts 1:6 YLT) They, therefore, indeed, having come together, were questionning Him, saying, "LORD, at this time [are you restoring] the [Kingdom] to Israel?"
(Acts 1:7 NKJV) And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority;
(Acts 1:8 NKJV) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
(Acts 1:9 YLT) And these things having said - they beholding - He was [lifted] up, and a cloud [received] Him up from their sight;
(Acts 1:10 NASB) And as they were gazing intently into the [heaven] while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside themstood beside them;
(Acts 1:11 YLT) who also said, "Men, Galileans, why do [you] stand gazing into the heaven? This Jesus Who was lifted up from you into the heaven, shall so come in what manner [you] saw Him going [into] the heaven."
(Acts 1:12 YLT) Then they [returned] to Jerusalem from the mount that is called of Olives, that is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath's journey [in the sense of the distance permissible to travel when on the Sabbath]
(Acts 1:13 YLT) And when they came in [to the city], they went up to the upper room, where they were abiding both Peter and James; and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [son] of Alphaeus, and Simon the [Zealot], and Judas [son] of James.
(Acts 1:14 YLT) These all were [steadfastly] continuing with one accord in prayer and supplication, with women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His [brothers].
(Acts 1:15 YLT) And in these days, Peter having risen up in the midst of the disciples, (the multitude also of the names at the same place was, as it were, an hundred and twenty), [and said]
(Acts 1:16 NKJV) "Men and [brothers], this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas [having become] a guide to those who arrested Jesus;
(Acts 1:17 NKJV) for [having been numbered with us, he] obtained a part in this ministry.
(Acts 1:18 YLT) This one, indeed, then, purchased a field out of the reward of unrighteousness, and falling headlong, burst ausnder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed forth,
(Acts 1:19 YLT) and it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, insomuch that that place is called, in their proper dialect, Aceldama, that is, field of blood,
(Acts 1:20 NKJV) For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it;' and, 'Let another take his office.'
(Acts 1:21 NASB) Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the LORD Jesus went in and out among us -
(Acts 1:22 NKJV) beginning [lit., having begun] from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
(Acts 1:23 NASB) [And] they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias.
(Acts 1:24 NKJV) And they prayed and said, "You, LORD, [Knower of the hearts] of all men, show which of these two You have chosen
(Acts 1:25 NKJV) to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place."
(Acts 1:26 NKJV) And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.'''
(Acts 1:1 NASB) '''The [former] account I [made], Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, (Acts 1:2 YLT) till the day in which, having given command, through the Holy Spirit, to the apostles whom He [chose], He was taken up [in the sense of to heaven, (Acts 1:10)] (Acts 1:3 NKJV) to whom [referring to the apostles] He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. (Acts 1:4 NKJV) And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said "you ... heard from Me; (Acts 1:5 AV) For John indeed baptized with water; but [you] shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence." (Acts 1:6 YLT) They, therefore, indeed, having come together, were questionning Him, saying, "LORD, at this time [are you restoring] the [Kingdom] to Israel? "(Acts 1:7 NKJV) And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority; (Acts 1:8 NKJV) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:9 YLT) And these things having said - they beholding - He was [lifted] up, and a cloud [received] Him up from their sight; (Acts 1:10 NASB) And as they were gazing intently into the [heaven] while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside themstood beside them; (Acts 1:11 YLT) who also said, "Men, Galileans, why do [you] stand gazing into the heaven? This Jesus Who was lifted up from you into the heaven, shall so come in what manner [you] saw Him going [into] the heaven." =
Luke wrote this book to Theophilus as first recipient, as he did his gospel, (cf. Lk 1:1-4). It is evident that Theophilus, ('lover of God;' 'dear to God'), was a believer and a personal friend whom Luke could count on to have copies of his writings made and circulated, (Lk 1:1-4). Theophilus was perhaps one of authority, being referred to with the title of "Most excellent Theophilus" in Lk 1:3. In the first sentence of his second work, Luke referred to his "former account," in the sense of his previous and first written account of "all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day when He was taken up to heaven," (Acts 1:2), evidently referring to his gospel. Note that the word order of verse 2 places the phrase rendered, "the LORD's giving command through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He chose," in an emphatic position before the concluding phrase "He was taken up [in the sense of to heaven, (cf. Acts 1:10)]" to emphasize its importance; i.e., that Jesus emphasized to His apostles to continue His work to be witnesses of Him to the world. This implies that the work which His disciples were to continue would now be empowered by the Holy Spirit, Who was to be received within them following the LORD's ascension, (cf. Acts 1:5). The phrase rendered "apostles whom He chose," in Acts 1:2 implied the LORD's absolute sovereignty in the matter. Their commission was to bring to the world, the message of the Kingdom of God and entrance into it; which content was at first relative to repentance unto faith in Christ unto eternal life in the restoration of the Kingdom of God to Israel, (Acts 1:6).
(Acts 1:4 NKJV) '''And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said "you ... heard from Me;
(Acts 1:5 AV) For John indeed baptized with water; but [you] shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence."
(Acts 1:6 YLT) They, therefore, indeed, having come together, were questionning Him, saying, "LORD, at this time [are you restoring] the [Kingdom] to Israel?"
(Acts 1:7 NKJV) And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority;
(Acts 1:8 NKJV) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." '''
In Luke chapter 24, verses 44-53 have a comparable viewpoint to this passage in Acts, including the LORD's Ascension to which Acts 1:2 refers:
(Lk 24:44 NKJV) '''Then He [Jesus, (Lk 24:36)] said to them [the disciples, (cf. Lk 24:33)], "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me."
(Lk 24:45 NKJV) And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
(Lk 24:46 NKJV) Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, 'And thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,
(Lk 24:47 NKJV) and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'
(Lk 24:48 NKJV) And you are witnesses of these things.
(Lk 24:49 NKJV) Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."
(Lk 24:50 NKJV) And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them.
(Lk 24:51 NKJV) Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.
(Lk 24:52 NKJV) And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
(Lk 24:53) and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. '''
Note that the
LORD ascended from Bethany, which was located on the eastern slope of the
Mount of Olives, (Lk 24:50, Acts 1:12). Jesus' message to the apostles to
continue to preach after He ascended was the same as He had been giving
from the beginning when he was baptized by John. And it was the message of
John the Baptist before Him: "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at
hand." And when an individual believed in the message of Jesus and
John the Baptist, he expressed a moment of faith alone in the Messiah /
Savior alone, resulting in forgiveness of sins unto eternal life in the
Kingdom of God; whereupon each believer was water baptized to symbolize
his identification with that result. And the message was given that if all
Israel would repent, the LORD would commence His eternal Kingdom at that
time. This is so far the message that the apostles were to continue to
give
. The doctrines unique to the church have
not yet been in view.
Luke's second book originally had no title. But by the middle of the Second Century, it became known as 'The Acts of the Apostles.' On the other hand, the message of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit is more prominent throughout Luke's second writing as a continuation of the LORD's work and teaching after His Ascension. Note that the wording at the beginning of this book does not imply that there was to be more than the two written accounts, as some contend. Nor was the name Theophilus anything more than the name of a personal friend. Theophilus did not represent a group or class of people to whom Luke was writing, as some contend, especially since Luke referred to him as "most excellent Theophilus," in his Gospel, possibly referring to a person of authority. Furthermore, it was common practice in Luke's day to dedicate a book one had written to an individual, (Acts 1:1-2).
Verse three continues with the apostles in view - when the risen LORD presented Himself alive in His Humanity after His suffering on the cross to His apostles and to others chosen beforehand by God to be His witnesses, (cf Acts 10:41). He appeared multiple times - as Luke stipulated "by many infallible [eyewitness] proofs" - in the sense of sure and unmistakable signs - real and objective, personal appearances: convincing evidence that He was alive in His Humanity; and not a spirit or a ghost. They touched Him, He showed them His hands and feet, saying, 'It is I Myself,' (Lk 24:39). This implies that belief must be based on factual evidence in order to be of value especially in Christ in order to have eternal life!
(Lk 24:28 NKJV) "Then they [two of Jesus' disciples, (Lk 24:8-13)] drew near to the village where they were going, and He [Jesus] indicated that He would have gone farther.
(Lk 24:29 NKJV) But they constrained Him, saying, 'Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.' And He went in to stay with them.
(Lk 24:30 NKJV) Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
(Lk 24:31 NKJV) Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight.
(Lk 24:32 NKJV) And they said to one another, 'Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?'
(Lk 24:33 NKJV) So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,
(Lk 24:34 NKJV) saying, 'The LORD is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!'
(Lk 24:35 NKJV) And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.
(Lk 24:36 NKJV) Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, 'Peace to you.'
(Lk 24:37 NKJV) But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.
(Lk 24:38 NKJV) And He said to them, 'Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?
(Lk 24:39 NKJV) Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.'
(Lk 24:40 NKJV) When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.
(Lk 24:41 NKJV) But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, 'Have you any food here?'
(Lk 24:42 NKJV) So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.
(Lk 24:43 NKJV) And He took it and ate in their presence."
So Jesus in His
resurrected Humanity was seen by His apostles and others whom He chose
during forty days, speaking of things pertaining to the Kingdom of God,
and entrance into it. The term rendered "Kingdom of God" refers
to when the LORD will bring His everlasting Kingdom rule upon the earth.
Notice that up to this time, instruction about the Kingdom of God was
especially relative to Israel's ushering it in and her entrance into it.
Instruction about the church had not so far been given. Heretofore, in
Luke's Gospel, the Kingdom of God was preached as imminent should all
Israel repent and believe in the Messiah / the Christ, (Lk 3:3-6,
);
(Acts 1:3).
And the LORD commanded the disciples when they were assembled together in Jerusalem, not to depart from the city; but to wait for the "Promise of the Father" of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Note that author Luke quotes Jesus as saying, "For John indeed baptized with water; but [you] shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence." Although this statement is the same statement that John the Baptist made in Lk 3:16, it cannot be declared that Luke attributed John's words to Jesus, as some contend; for it would be logical for Jesus to make such a statement as well. In view of the disciples' mandate to carry on the ministry of Jesus, it is evident that the indwelling Holy Spirit would be the key factor in enabling their witness. Since the continuation of the teachings of the LORD relative to Israel's need to repent in order to commence the rule of the eternal Kingdom of God on the earth is still in view; then the church is not yet in view as some contend, (cf. Lk 3:16); (Acts 1:4-5).
In view of the fact that Jesus taught the apostles of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God, (Acts 1:3); and since He stipulated that the believers would shortly be baptized in the Holy Spirit, (Acts 1:5); and since the coming of the Spirit to indwell all people and the coming of the eternal Kingdom of God were indicated as concurrent according to OT teaching, (Acts 3:21; Is. 32:15-20; 44:3-5; Ezek. 39:28-29; Joel 2:28-3:1; Zech. 12:8-10); hence the apostles questioned, "LORD, at this time [are you restoring] the [Kingdom] to Israel?" The apostles had in mind that the restoration of the Promised Land to Israel, when the LORD would begin His rule of the Eternal Kingdom of God on the earth through Israel was imminent. But Jesus told them that it was "Not for them to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority," implying that this was still forthcoming, that it was not imminent. Hence the indwelling of the Holy Spirit would not yet be upon all mankind as prophesied in Scripture when the Kingdom of God will be ushered in, (cf. Joel 2:28-3:1). The Greek word "chronous" rendered "times" refers to chronology or the duration of time. The Greek word "kairous" rendered "seasons" refers to the epochs or events as characterized by certain qualities, which occur within time. So the disciples were not to know how long it would be before Christ would set up His kingdom, nor were they to know what particular events would transpire before the establishment of it. Furthermore, the LORD's answer implied that they had a duty to perform in the meantime, (cf. Acts 1:3-4, 8). Finally, the LORD did not indicate that a change in God's economy from Israel to the church was imminent, (Acts 1:6-7).
Whereupon the LORD, with His last words before His ascension, commissioned the apostles with their assignment and spoke of their empowerment to complete that assignment: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Hence the apostles would be equipped with the power of God the Holy Spirit to be witnesses to the risen Jesus Christ and His message "of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God," and repentance unto remission of sins as He had instructed them, (Acts 1:3; cf Lk 24:44-49); beginning "in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
(Lk 24:44 NKJV) '''Then He [Jesus, (Lk 24:36)] said to them [the disciples, (cf. Lk 24:33)], "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me."
(Lk 24:45 NKJV) And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
(Lk 24:46 NKJV) Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, 'And thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,
(Lk 24:47 NKJV) and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.'
(Lk 24:48 NKJV) And you are witnesses of these things.
(Lk 24:49 NKJV) Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."
And having said this, the apostles beheld His ascension through a cloud and out of sight. This cloud may or may not have been a supernatural cloud such as a manifestation of the shekinah glory of God, as some contend. Insufficient evidence is provided to determine this. In any case, there is nothing substantively lacking in Luke's account should this simply be a natural cloud. As they continued to gaze intently into the heavens, two men in white clothing stood beside them said, "Men, Galileans, why do you stand gazing into the heaven? This Jesus Who was lifted up from you into the heaven, shall so come in what manner [you] saw him going [into] the heaven." These men were evidently angelic beings who were referring to the LORD's return to the surface of the earth to commence His eternal Kingdom rule. This implies that the apostles must not tarry, but get busy with their assignment to be witnesses of the LORD; for the LORD would return to earth to commence His Kingdom in the same manner and place that He ascended from. The timing of this was evidently not imminent, for the apostles were commissioned to continue the LORD's work for some period of time not specifically revealed. The LORD's return and His promise for all believers to participate in His eternal kingdom serves to motivate all believers in being witnesses for Him throughout their mortal lives. Note that the phrase rendered "Men, Galileans" refers to the apostles who were all from Galilee, except Judas who was from Judea.
(Lk 24:50 NKJV) "And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them.
(Lk 24:51 NKJV) Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven."
Note that author Luke indicated in his gospel that Jesus led His followers out to the Mount of Olives, (Acts 1:12), opposite Bethany, blessed them - and as He blessed them, He began to part from them in a gradual sense, as opposed to being quickly caught up out sight, disappearing that way into the heavens, while they all looked on, (cf, Acts 1:10); (Acts 1:8-11).
(Acts 1:1 NASB) '''The [former] account I [made], Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, (Acts 1:2 YLT) till the day in which, having given command, through the Holy Spirit, to the apostles whom He [chose], He was taken up [in the sense of to heaven, (Acts 1:10)] (Acts 1:3 NKJV) to whom [referring to the apostles] He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. (Acts 1:4 NKJV) And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said "you ... heard from Me; (Acts 1:5 AV) For John indeed baptized with water; but [you] shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days hence." (Acts 1:6 YLT) They, therefore, indeed, having come together, were questionning Him, saying, "LORD, at this time [are you restoring] the [Kingdom] to Israel? "(Acts 1:7 NKJV) And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority; (Acts 1:8 NKJV) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:9 YLT) And these things having said - they beholding - He was [lifted] up, and a cloud [received] Him up from their sight; (Acts 1:10 NASB) And as they were gazing intently into the [heaven] while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside themstood beside them; (Acts 1:11 YLT) who also said, "Men, Galileans, why do [you] stand gazing into the heaven? This Jesus Who was lifted up from you into the heaven, shall so come in what manner [you] saw Him going [into] the heaven." (Acts 1:12 YLT) '''Then they [returned] to Jerusalem from the mount that is called of Olives, that is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath's journey [in the sense of the distance permissible to travel when on the Sabbath] (Acts 1:13 YLT) And when they came in [to the city], they went up to the upper room, where they were abiding both Peter and James; and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [son] of Alphaeus, and Simon the [Zealot], and Judas [son] of James. (Acts 1:14 YLT) These all were [steadfastly] continuing with one accord in prayer and supplication, with women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.''' =
After the LORD's ascension from the Mount of Olives, the apostles returned to Jerusalem - a Sabbath's journey - about 1,100 meters - from the city - a distance set by the rabbis of the time that was to be equivalant to the maximum walking distance the children of Israel were to have between their tents and the Tabernacle in the wilderness. So the phrase rendered "a Sabbath's journey," referred to the distance a Jew could travel on the Sabbath without breaking the law. They went to the upper room - evidently a large one - where Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, [Jewish nationalist, cf. "Canaanite", i.e., former resident of Cana, (Mk 3:18)] and Judas son of James, [also known as Thaddeus, (Mt 10:3)]; were. The definite article is included in the Greek words "to huperOon" rendered "the upper room" which signifies that it was the regularly used room by the apostles. Upper rooms were built over the first level of a dwelling. The lower stories had smaller rooms so that their walls would bear the weight of the upper stories. They were often rented out to residents, or served as places of assembly, study and prayer. This particular room was very large, for it contained many lamps, (cf. Acts 20:8); and held more than 120 people, (Acts 1:15). So the apostles all prayed steadfastly together with one accord in the sense of with a unified purpose: in obedience to what the LORD commanded of them - including prayer for the reception of the Holy Spirit as promised in verse 4. Their actions evidenced spiritual growth from the previous time when they had competed with one another for authority in the coming Kingdom, (cf. Lk 22:24-30). Their number included the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and His brothers. Notice that women were present with the men, especially Mary the mother of Jesus. She was evidently not there as a leader, as some contend; but simply joined the others as a believer in prayer, obediently waiting for the "Promise of the Father" - the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Note that the
context of the phrase rendered "His [Jesus'] brothers," in verse
14 signifies His biological brothers through His mother Mary, as opposed
to brothers in mission or faith or relatives such as cousins, as some
contend. If brothers in the faith is intended in verse 14, then the
apostles mentioned in verse 13 would be excluded as Jesus' brothers in the
faith, which is a contradiction and an absurdity. Neither could those "brothers"
in verse 14 be considered cousins or close relatives; for their mother was
stipulated in the same sentence - with no mention of another individual
through whom those men would have been related to Jesus - through Joseph
or a previous husband. Furthermore, since the New Testament books were
originally written in Greek, then it is absolutely irrelevent what the
Aramaic, Hebrew or any other language except Greek meant, as some contend.
Since the Greek word used for brother in these passages is "adelphoi"
which very specifically and only means biological 'brother' [and 'sister'
= 'adelphai']; and since this word was never used for any other type of
relative in all of Greek literature; and since in Galatians 1:19, if the
Greek-speaking, Roman citizen, Apostle Paul had wished to tell the
Greek-speaking Galatians, who could speak no Aramaic and did not know a
single Semitic idiom, that James was the cousin of Jesus and not his
brother, then Paul would have used the Greek word "anepsios"
like he did in Colossians 4:10, referring to Marcus, the nephew of
Barnabas. Hence Mary, the mother of Jesus, indeed did have children by her
husband Joseph after Jesus was born..
It is evident that the brothers of Jesus most likely had become believers
since they were in attendance at this meeting, (Acts 1:12-14).
(Acts 1:15 YLT) '''And in these days, Peter having risen up in the midst of the disciples, (the multitude also of the names at the same place was, as it were, an hundred and twenty), [and said] (Acts 1:16 NKJV) "Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas [having become] a guide to those who arrested Jesus; (Acts 1:17 NKJV) for [having been numbered with us, he] obtained a part in this ministry. (Acts 1:18 YLT) This one, indeed, then, purchased a field out of the reward of unrighteousness, and falling headlong, burst ausnder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed forth, (Acts 1:19 YLT) and it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, insomuch that that place is called, in their proper dialect, Aceldama, that is, field of blood, (Acts 1:20 NKJV) For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it;' and, 'Let another take his office.' (Acts 1:21 NASB) Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the LORD Jesus went in and out among us - (Acts 1:22 NKJV) beginning [lit., having begun] from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:23 NASB) [And] they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. (Acts 1:24 NKJV) And they prayed and said, "You, LORD, [Knower of the hearts] of all men, show which of these two You have chosen (Acts 1:25 NKJV) to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." (Acts 1:26 NKJV) And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.''' =
Author Luke begins verse 15 with the phrase "In these days," evidently referring to the transitional period of time from the economy of Israel and the Mosaic Law to the church and the grace way of life, just days after the LORD's ascension. These days still had in view the economy of Israel as God's chosen people through whom He would establish and rule His eternal Kingdom of God on the earth, (Acts 1:3, 6-8).
(Lk 22:30 NKJV) "But you [the twelve disciples] are those who have continued with Me in My trials.
(Lk 22:29 NKJV) And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me,
(Lk 22:30 NKJV) that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
And in "these days" the disciples, which included around 120 believers, (v. 15), continued to stay and meet in Jerusalem. They had been chosen by the LORD to be His disciples. Many had accompanied the Twelve while Jesus proclaimed His message throughout Palestine.
Note that Jesus repeatedly proclaimed His message in many different places to multitudes of people throughout Palestine. He often varied the wording, detail and subject matter depending upon time, circumstances and His audience. People often asked questions which He often addressed; and it is evident that the Gospels were limited to the amount of content it could provide to its readers. Hence each Gospel writer selected and condensed the teaching of Jesus after his particular fashion, but as inspired by the Holy Spirit. Hence there are variations in the content of His teaching and activities from Gospel to Gospel - but never a single contradiction.
When Peter rose in the midst of the disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem, he spoke in the role of leader of the need to replace Judas Iscariot. His point was that since the LORD had chosen twelve men to be apostles in order to fulfill His mission; and since at this time they were short one due to the betrayal and death of Judas - the situation necessitated the selection of Judas' replacement. Note that the LORD's choosing of Judas Isacriot to receive the same commission and portion of the ministry as the eleven disciples had, (Lk 6:12-16; 22:19-30), resulted in Judas' failure and the tragedy of the LORD's crucifixion. Yet it was a fulfillment of Scripture and part of God's sovereign plan for His Son and for the salvation of the world through the death of His Son.
Peter referred to Scripture as being inspired by the Holy Spirit in order to corroborate his point: "Men and [brothers], this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas [having become] a guide to those who arrested Jesus; for [having been numbered with us, he] obtained a part in this ministry." By this reference, Peter indicated that Judas was chosen by the LORD to be an apostle and hence, had he become a believer instead of a "son of perdition," (Jn 17:12), hence chosen and destined for eternal condemnation; and out of this unbelief betrayed the LORD; then he would have obtained a share in the ministry of proclaiming Christ and His Kingdom to the world. Peter was also implying that the passages he referred to in Psalms had a fulfillment with the LORD's experience with His enemies as well as in David's experience with his enemies - a prerogative limited to apostles and/or the human authors of God's Word; and not to serve as an example of how others are to reinterpret Scripture as they 'see fit', as some contend. Hence it is not a license for others to editorialize God's Word, as some contend. Relative to David, they referred to the treachery and betrayal of David's friend, Ahithophel; who later hanged himself, (2 Sa 17:23)]. Note that the Greek phrase rendered "Men and [brothers]" is generic, and does not exclude women, (cf. Acts 1:14).
(Ps 41:9 NKJV) "Even My own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me."
(Jn 13:18 NKJV) "I [Jesus] do not speak concerning all of you [disciples]. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may befulfilled, 'He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me."
The Hebrew phrase rendered "My own familiar friend" in Psalm 41:9 describes a close intimate relationship which the LORD had with Judas. And it indicates that He was betrayed by him in a treacherous and outrageous manner. Not only did the two break bread together, but Jesus called Judas a "friend" at the moment of His betrayal, (Lk 22:21; Jn 13:18; Acts 1:16).
Peter continued with his point about replacing Judas, "This one, [Judas] indeed, then, purchased a field out of the reward of unrighteousness, and falling headlong, burst ausnder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed forth, and it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, insomuch that that place is called, in their proper dialect, Aceldama, that is, field of blood.
(Mt 27:3 NKJV) "Then Judas, His [Jesus'] betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
(Mt 27:4 NKJV) saying, 'I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.' And they said, 'What is that to us? You see to it!
(Mt 27:5 NKJV) Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.
(Mt 27:6 NKJV) But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, 'It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.'
(Mt 27:7 NKJV) And they consulted together and brought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
(Mt 27:8 NKJV) Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day."
Notice that Matthew reports that Judas betrayed Jesus and that he returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, and hanged himself out of remorse. The pieces of silver were used by the priests and elders to purchase a field to be used for burial. It was called the Field of Blood, for it was purchased with money used to spill the blood of Jesus. There is no discrepancy here as some contend, for it is evident that Judas hanged himself over a rocky cliffside which one is nearby; and in the process he fell from the cliff over which he swung and his body opened up at the middle and his intestines gushed out when he impacted the cliffside or the sharp rocks below. Neither account contradicts or excludes the other. Matthew's account does not deny that Judas, after hanging himself, fell and burst asunder; Peter does not assert that Judas did not hang himself previous to his fall.
So Peter goes on to declare, "For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it;' and, 'Let another take his office.' "
(Ps 109:8 NKJV) "Let his days be few,
And let another take his office."
Note that
Scripture indicates that only Judas, an original apostle was to be
replaced. It is evident that this was done because Judas was an original
apostle to the Jews, who was to sit on one of the twelve thrones of Israel
in the Kingdom of God. But he never became a believer who would then be
able to faithfully serve the LORD not only in his mortal life, but also in
the coming eternal Kingdom of God. There is therefore no precedent in
Scripture for further apostolic succession, as some contend - since as a
result of Matthias' selection as Judas' replacement, there will always be
twelve apostles to sit on the twelve thrones of Israel in the eternal
Kingdom of God. So when the apostle James, the brother of the apostle
John, was martyred by King Herod Agrippa I, no one was chosen to replace
him, (Acts 12:2). Although Paul was appointed as an apostle, he did not
replace one of the Twelve, but was specially appointed as a unique apostle
with a mission to evangelize the gentiles, ..,
(Acts 1:15-20).
Whereupon, Peter stipulated the qualifications for being an apostle - which further ruled out apostolic succession, especially for generations after the LORD's ascension: "Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the LORD Jesus went in and out among us - beginning [lit., having begun] from the baptism of John [when our LORD was publically introduced as the Messiah] to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." This implied that an apostle was to be a primary witness to the LORD Himself in His Humanity as He fulfilled His mission to be a sacrifice for the sins of the world, and to His teaching - in the sense of actually hearing His words again and again and again, as they followed Him from place to place and listened to Him speak, (Acts 1:21-22).
So the eleven apostles "put forward two men" as candidates for the one apostleship. Note that the fifth-century Western text reads "estEsen" rendered "he put forward" referring to Peter alone; as opposed to the majority reading of "estEsan" rendered "they put forward," referring to the apostles together deciding upon the two candidates for apostleship. The latter is by far the better reading, especially in view of the pronoun rendered "us" in vv. 21-22 and the pronoun rendered "they" in v. 24 implying decisions made by the group, as opposed to Peter taking the role of an absolute monarch. The names of the candidates were Joseph called Barsabbas in Aramaic which means 'Son of the Sabbath' implying that he was born on the Sabbath, who was also called Justus, his Roman name; and Matthias, short for Mattathias. Both men evidently met the qualifications for apostleship that Peter stipulated. And both men were evidently the choice of candidates made by all eleven apostles. Finally, both men were most likely two of the 72 sent by the LORD to bring the message to Israel two by two, (Lk 10:1-17).
And they all prayed and said to the LORD, 'You, LORD, [Knower of the hearts] of all men, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place,' implying the place of eternal condemnation. The men prayed for guidance from the LORD and then cast their lots based on their personal point of view, but with the implication that each one was to be led by the Holy Spirit as he cast his lot. For the apostles to cast their lots, according to custom, was to write the name of Matthias or Justus on a stone, place all the stones in a jar and then shake the jar until one of the stones fell out. The name on that particular stone would be declared as the one that God had chosen to take the place of Judas. In the final analysis, it was to be the LORD's choosing which individual the eleven apostles would choose by lot - the absolute sovereignty of God working within the free will choices of the eleven men. And by this means, Matthias was chosen to be one of the Twelve Apostles.
"The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD."
(Acts 1:23-26).