Luke the physician wrote how the disciples of Jesus, some women, Jesus' mother Mary 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, ...”, and in chapter one and verse twenty-two of the book of Acts Luke wrote how Peter said, “one must be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection” where we read:
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.
The verse begins, “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, ...” Luke began with the words, “beginning from the baptism of John” which means “starting and commencing from the time when John the Baptist whose name means Jehovah is a gracious giver”, “unto that same day” or “till the selfsame day” “that he was taken up from us” which means “when he, Jesus, rose and was received apart from us, Jesus' disciples”. Luke shared how “Peter” said the “man” who was to replace “Judas” as one of Jesus' original disciples was required to have been with them from the time “John the Baptist” was immersing people in water until the time when Jesus “rose up” and returned to Heaven in the clouds
The verse continues, “... must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” Luke added the words, “must one be ordained” or “it is necessary for a man to appear, come upon the stage and arise” “to be a witness with us” which means “to exist as a martyr, recorder and one who is mindful alongside the original disciples of Jesus” “of his resurrection” or “pertaining to his, Jesus', rising from the grave”. Luke shared how “Peter” said the “one” whom they found among them who was with them from the time of John's baptism until Jesus rose in the clouds should be selected to bear testimony of Jesus' rising from the dead.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn the requirements set forth by “Peter” for the selection of the person who would replace “Judas” among the original disciples of Jesus. The person was to have been with them from the time of “John the Baptist” until Jesus ascended into the clouds. This person would join the other disciples and testify about Jesus' “resurrection” from the dead. We should note that this was “Peter's” plan for who would replace “Judas”, and it is interesting to consider this process. God had His plan for the salvation of mankind, and when the disciples of Jesus were given the assignment to share the “resurrection” of Jesus with others, they felt it best to have the original twelve disciples unified. God wants to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus. Those who yield to Him will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with God. Let all who read this process for selecting the replacement for “Judas” realize Jesus has “chosen” them to be His “disciple” so they may share His “gospel” with the world.
Next time Luke shares how Peter says, “they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas … and Matthias”, 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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