EPISTLE: Acts 1:15-26

Reading:
 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.  Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,  Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.  And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.  And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,  That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.  And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Commentary:
 Having received the blessing of Christ, the benediction of Christ at His ascension, the disciples were joyful and eager to do the Lord's work, and "preach the Gospel to every creature."  At this time, knowing the Psalms, it was necessary another disciple take the place of Judas…."his bishoprick let another take."  Note the irony regarding Judas and his money which he originally coveted.  "This man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity."  Remember first the Jews who murdered Christ would not receive back the money when Judas was in despair.  He then hanged himself, and his own money was then used to purchase the place of his grave.  Hence "this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity."  Those who die in their sins by unbelief without Christ have blood on their hands.  Correspondingly only the blood of Christ can cleanse our own sinful hands.  Finally we see the good order whereby Judas' replacement was chosen.  Here is a type of how God works through His believers, bringing a person into the ministry.  One is chosen from the midst of the Church.