Acts 1:17 meaning
After Judas Iscariot's betrayal and subsequent death, the early church recognized the need to restore the apostolic structure that Jesus had established. This was crucial for maintaining the integrity and witness of the church as it began its mission. The emphasis on selecting a successor highlights both the seriousness of this process and the importance of apostleship in carrying forth the message of Christ.
In this context, the text reminds us that Judas was not merely a traitor but had once been part of the collective ministry. He had "obtained part of this ministry," illustrating how one can outwardly belong to the faith community yet inwardly diverge from its essence. The reference serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for betrayal even among the chosen. For true followers, it reiterates the need for vigilance in faith and action, lest one becomes like Judas, guiding others away from Christ instead of toward Him, which calls to mind the principle of integrity in leadership.
For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry. (Acts 1:17, NASB95)
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Acts 1:15-20 meaning. As they wait for the Holy Spirit, Peter speaks to the other followers of Jesus. He quotes two Psalms to point to the fact that Judas, the twelfth disciple, is dead, and someone needs to fill his position.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Acts 17:1-9 meaning. After leaving Philippi, Paul, Silas, and Timothy make their way further west into Macedonia. In the city of Thessalonica, Paul preaches at a Jewish synagogue. For three Sabbaths, he uses the Old Testament to show that Jesus was the Messiah, who was prophesied to die and resurrect. A significant number of the Jews, God-fearing gentiles, and important women believe in Jesus. Other Jews are filled with jealousy. They rouse a mob and tear through the city. The mob alerts the authorities to Paul’s presence in town, that he and his teachings are upsetting other cities in the Roman Empire. They claim that what he teaches is opposed to Caesar, because he is corrupting people into believing in a false king named Jesus.
- Acts 10:17-23 meaning. The Holy Spirit Tells Peter to Go with Cornelius's Servants. Peter wonders what the vision meant. The men from Cornelius arrive at the house where he is staying, and the Spirit prompts him to go away with these men to wherever they will take him; to trust them, because they were sent by the Spirit. Peter obeys. He greets the men, hears how their master was visited by an angel, who told Cornelius to find Peter in Joppa. Peter invites them to stay for the night before they leave. The next morning Peter and a few other Jews head to Caesarea with Cornelius's servants.
- Philemon 1:17-19 meaning. Paul asks Philemon to forgive any debt that Onesimus owes him. He also promises to pay Philemon back, if necessary. Paul adds that he would consider Philemon's forgiveness of Onesimus as a full return of blessing for Paul's sharing of the gospel with Philemon.
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