Acts 1:12-26 Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

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

Matthew 27:1-10 Judas Hangs Himself

Did Judas repent? Not at all. The word used in this passage ("metamellomai") is different from the word used for true repentance ("metanoeo") that implies conversion and forgiveness of sins. The ESV translates "changed his mind" and it can also imply regret and even sorrow, but it is not to be stretched to mean genuine repentance. The return of the thirty pieces of silver show that Judas realized that what he did would cost Jesus his life and he wanted to withdraw, but it was too late. Jesus was marked for death and they were taking him before Pilate to ask for execution.

Another compelling evidence for Judas' unrepentant heart is the way in which he deals with his guilt-ridden conscience. He hangs himself. Godly grief produces repentance that leads to salvation. Worldly grief leads to death (2Cor.7:10). Self-destruction is not an unpardonable sin, but it is nonetheless a sin. In those days, there were two types of hanging: one by crucifixion, and the other by impalement with a sharpened stake. Judas threw himself over a large sharp stake. The picture of using a rope to hang from a tree is unlikely. 

Suicide is not the answer to my problems. Paul weighed the pros and cons of being with the Lord vs. remaining on earth and concluded that it is very important to remain faithful to the Lord in his service in the here and now. The promises of a better future may be enticing. Why remain in the flesh suffering when I can enjoy bliss after death? There are many arguments against suicide, but the bottom line is this: God is the Creator. He determines the end of my days. Paul is very clear in 1Cor.3:16-17. I belong to him and only He has the right to determine the length of my life.

The hypocrisy of the chief priests and elders is so evident in their unwillingness to take the money into the treasury of the temple because it was "blood money." Yet, they were willing to minister in the temple though they had plotted murder against an innocent man. The money was used to buy a potter's field used as a cemetery for strangers and it was called "Field of Blood." The money used to betray Jesus was used to care for the bodies of strangers who could not afford a plot of their own. Everything about the life of Jesus resulted in the benefit of others, especially those who were disadvantaged.

Lord, give me great respect for life. May I never try to take your place to decide when and how to end my life. May suffering and pain motivate me to seek you more and lead me to genuine repentance unto salvation. Protect me from worldly grief that leads to death.