Acts 1:16

Monday, 11 October 2021 <p> </p> <p>“Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; Acts 1:16</p> <p> </p> <p>In the previous verse, Peter stood to speak. His words now commence with, “Men and brethren.” It is a single address in the Greek signifying “brother-men.” Simply saying “brothers” would get the point across in our modern speech. In this, he is addressing those with him in a personal, friendly manner. With the tone set, he then says, “this Scripture had to be fulfilled.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Understanding that there was no New Testament at the time, all the people had to rely on for their knowledge of the workings of God in Christ was the Hebrew Scriptures, now our Old Testament. What Peter is referring to has two parts to it. The first is that of Judas’ betrayal, something he will not cite, but which had already been cited by Jesus in John 13 –</p> <p> </p> <p>“I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.” John 13:18, 19</p> <p> </p> <p>Jesus’ words are a quote from the 41st Psalm –</p> <p> </p> <p>“Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.” Psalm 41:9</p> <p> </p> <p>Though Peter doesn’t cite this, it can be inferred that he is referring to it. Later, he will cite more Scripture to show what must be done in order to replace the traitor. For now, Peter is reminding the brethren that what occurred was a part of the plan of God, even if Judas willingly set out to do what he did. That is evidenced in the next words, saying, “which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David.”</p> <p> </p> <p>David, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit (see 2 Peter 1:19-21), prophesied what would occur conc