After Jesus' ascension, the apostles obediently returned to Jerusalem and waited in prayer. Many others joined them (120 people total) including Mary, the mother of Jesus. Peter, stands and speaks to the brethren gathered there. He explains Judas' treason and fate as a fulfillment of the Scriptures as written by David in the Psalms. So the Scriptures are used as the authoritative source to understand and explain what has happened.
Many see a contradiction in the this account of the field's purchase as compared to Matthew 27. It is best to see them as two different perspectives on the same event and they are reconcilable. Peter recounts that Judas acquired the field with the reward, but Matthew states that Judas came back to the Pharisees with a guilty conscience and threw the money at them in the temple and hung himself afterwards. It is not difficult to think that the Pharisees purchased the field in Judas' name since they knew it was blood money and could not keep it for themselves. None of them would want a property in their name associated with blood money. So much so, that the people called the field a Field of Blood (Akeldama). Peter quotes Psalm 69:25 as a prophecy to be fulfilled - it would be desolate and no one would dwell in it.
Moreover, the Scriptures also are the authoritative source, not just to understand what has taken place, but to decide what must take place. Peter quotes the Psalms (109:8) as the basis for their first decision as apostles - Let another take his office. Understanding that Psalm 109 predicts Jesus' suffering and the final fate of his betrayer, they decide to choose a replacement for him. They established the requirements, they prayed, and they selected by casting lots.
Concerning casting lots... It was a method of selection that eliminated human influences like popularity, money and other controlling factors from the process. It is important to note that the selection criteria was established beforehand and the candidates had to meet such criteria. Manny people don't feel that there is an election unless there is a popularity vote with at least two people competing against each other. Not so in the Scriptures. It is best to have the leadership establish the requirements and choose those who meet the requirements. If there is more than one meeting the criteria for a given position, then cast lots!
The Scriptures are central to the believer's life. They are the only authoritative source for all of life and faith. I must make the Scriptures central in my life. In order to derive the benefits that the Scriptures offer, I must meditate on them often. I must also take them seriously. The Scriptures should always be my light and my guide.
Father, make me hungry for your Word every day. May I seek what it says. May I strive to live what it commands. May I delight in it every day of my life. Amen
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