The Word Made Fresh
1In my first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all the things Jesus did and said from the beginning of his ministry 2until he was taken up into heaven. He gave those he had chosen as apostles instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3Then, after he suffered, he proved to them again and again that he was still alive, by appearing to them over forty days, teaching them about the kingdom of God. 4He ate with them, and told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for what the Father had promised. “You heard this from me,” he said, 5“that although John baptized with water, you will soon be baptized in the Holy Spirit.”
6So while they were together they asked him, “Lord, is now the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7But Jesus answered, “It isn’t for you to know the times the Father has set by his own authority, 8but when the Holy Spirit has come over you, you will then be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and then to the very ends of the earth.”
9When he had told them this he was lifted as they watched, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was ascending, and they were gazing heavenward, two men dressed in white robes were suddenly standing with them. 11They said, “Why are you Galileans standing there looking up toward heaven? Jesus has been taken up from you into heaven, and he will return in the same way as you saw him go.”
12Then they went back to Jerusalem from the mountain, about a Sabbath day’s walk. 13Back in the city, they returned to the upstairs room where they were staying – Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14They were all devoted to prayer along with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as some of his brothers.
15Then Peter stood up among them (the whole crowd who joined them numbered about a hundred and twenty) and said to them, 16“Listen to me, friends; the scripture had to be proven. The Holy Spirit said through David that Judas would guide those who arrested Jesus, 17even though he was one of us and had a full share in our ministry.”
18(This is the man who bought a field with the money they paid him. He fell and was ripped apart, and his bowels spilled out. 19Everybody in Jerusalem heard about this, and they started calling the place the Field of Blood.)
20“It is written in the book of Psalms,” Peter continued, “‘Let his home be deserted so that no one will reside there;’ and, ‘Let someone else take over his role.’
21“So, one of you who has been with us the whole time, 22from the day John baptized him until he was lifted up and taken from us, must join us and be a witness with us that he was raised from the dead.”
23They put forth two names; Joseph Barsabbas whom everyone called Justus, and Matthias. 24Then they prayed, “Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these you have chosen 25for the task of apostleship, to replace Judas who turned away from you to follow his own way.” 26Then they cast lots for them, and Matthias was chosen and was added to the eleven apostles.
Commentary
1-5: The introduction tells us this book is written by the same person who wrote the gospel of Luke, and is addressed to the same Theophilus. In contrast to Matthew (28:16), Mark (16:7), and John (21:1), Luke/Acts has the disciples remaining in Jerusalem until the day of Pentecost. Jesus tells them they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit; John only baptized with water.
6-11: This paragraph includes details omitted in Luke 24:50-51. They ask about the restoration of the kingdom of Israel, to which he gives an evasive answer and tells them their job is to be his witnesses first in Judea, then in Samaria, then in the whole world. He is “lifted up” from them into a cloud, reminding us of the cloud which enveloped Moses and Elijah on the Mt. of Transfiguration (see Luke 9:34). Then two “men in white robes” (recalling the “two men in dazzling robes at the tomb — see Luke 24:5) tell them Jesus will return “in the same way” as they saw him go, providing one of a number of tantalizing images of what came to be referred to as the Second Coming.
12-14: The eleven disciples return to the city. The names listed are the same as those found in Luke 6:14-16, though in a slightly different order. The “upper room” in which they are staying may be the site of the Last Supper, although this is not specified. They are joined by “certain women” and by Jesus’ mother and brothers.
15-26: Actually, there are about 120 people gathered, Luke says. Peter calls a meeting. He begins by telling them about Judas. Matthew reports that he returned the 30 pieces of silver to the priests and then went out and hung himself (Matthew 27:3-5). According to Luke, though, Judas purchased a field with the blood money and apparently jumped off a precipice on the property and killed himself. Peter believes his fate had been decreed by the prophets, and tells them that they must choose someone to take his place. Why there must be 12 disciples is not explained. It may have to do with the fact that when Jesus sent them out as apostles he sent them out in pairs; or it may have to do with keeping the number of disciples the same as the tribes of Israel, symbolizing the beginning of a new covenant. Two names are put forward (neither of whom will ever be mentioned again) and lots are cast to choose one.
Takeaway
The disciples must have been filled with uncertainty over how to go about fulfilling Jesus’ commands. That is the case with us, too, when we consider our own discipleship and how God wants to use us. Don’t worry – it will all work out eventually if you keep the faith.