Join us as we read the scriptures and a daily devotion written by Don Crisp. We pray these messages will bless us all at this time.
Thurs 27th August – Acts chapter 1:15-19:
Categories: Don’s Daily Devotions
Thurs 27th August – Read Acts chapter 1:15-19:
V15: Now Simon Peter takes an early lead – he had been prone to do so at times during Christ’s earthly ministry, of course, but surely this is now at the Lord’s leading – he stands up to address them, and we learn for the first time there were ” about 120″ believers gathered – gospel fruit is already evident.
V16-17: He speaks of how OT Scripture was fulfilled in the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, how the Holy Spirit inspired David to speak prophetically of this ( Psalm 41:9.) Yet Judas was chosen by Jesus to be among the disciples! This is a mystery to us, and must remain just that, part of the sovereign will and purpose of God. Though all was preordained, Judas remained responsible for his sin – compare Jesus’ own words in John 17:12.
V18: The horrible outcome for Judas is starkly recorded. Matthew 27:3-5 shows Judas falling into black remorse ( not repentance ) and hanging himself. We need to dovetail the 2 accounts, though we do not have the precise details to do so fully.
V19: Again, we must compare this with Matthew 27:7-8, though the overlap of the 2 accounts is not straightforward. Perhaps Judas himself did not buy the ill-omened field ( Matthew 27:5 says he threw the blood-money back at the chief priests ) but they then used it to buy the field where, presumably, Judas had already hanged himself. How solemn these things are, how sure and awesome God’s judgement is!