Luke the physician wrote how the disciples of Jesus, some other women, Mary the mother of Jesus and His brothers were gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem, 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 spoke 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 in chapter one and verse twenty-three of the book of Acts Luke wrote how “they appointed two, Joseph … and Matthias” where we read:
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
The verse begins, “And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, ...” Luke began with the words, “and they appointed two” which means “and they, “Peter” and the original disciples”, “Joseph” or “let him add” “called Barsabas” which means “named son of Sabas”. Luke shared how “Peter” and the other original disciples of Jesus chose one man named “Joseph” who met the requirements of “Peter” to be one of the choices for the replacement of “Judas'” position among the original disciples of Jesus.
The verse goes on to say, “... who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.” Luke continued with the words, “who was surnamed Justus” or “this man was also implicated and invoked as Justus which means just”, “and Matthias” which means “and Matthias whose name means gift of God”. Luke shared how “Joseph” was also known as “Justus” and the other man from which the disciples of Jesus would choose was named “Matthias”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn the names of the two men who were candidates to replace “Judas” among the original disciples of Jesus. Their names were “Joseph” and “Matthias”. We shall see which man is chosen in our next verse, but for now let us consider this “man made” way of choosing the person to fill “Judas'” office. God has a plan for mankind, and He desires to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus, and when they yield to Him, they will discover His plan for the direction of their lives. Those who are wise will yield to Jesus who alone provided forgiveness of sins, grants eternal life and decides the perfect steps for each of their lives.
Next time Luke shares how, “they prayed, and said, you, Lord, which knows the hearts of all men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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