Lesson 4594

 (Lesson 4594)(09-01-24) Acts 1:20-26 

   “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 they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” 

 

   Today’s lesson describes the selection of a new apostle to replace Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus and subsequently died. Peter, citing Scripture, explains the need for Judas' replacement and the qualifications required for the new apostle, emphasizing that the candidate must have been with Jesus throughout His ministry, from John's baptism to His ascension. Two men are proposed: Joseph called Barsabas and Matthias. The disciples pray for God's guidance, cast lots, and Matthias is chosen to become the twelfth apostle, taking Judas' place in their ministry. ~