Acts 1:17

<a></a>Tuesday, 12 October 2021 <p> </p> <p>for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” Acts 1:17</p> <p> </p> <p>The words concerning Judas continue in this verse. It was he who the previous verse said, “became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.” Of him, Peter continues, saying, “for he was numbered with us.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Peter uses a word found only here in Scripture, katarithmeó. It signifies “to reckon with.” It is a compound word coming from kata, or “according to,” and arithmeó, “to count.” As such, Judas was truly reckoned among the apostles. As such, someone must take his place to fill the void that has arisen. Being numbered among them, Peter says, “and obtained a part in this ministry.”</p> <p> </p> <p>There is a play on words here that will give a hint as to what is coming in the verses ahead. It literally reads, “and was allotted the lot.” It isn’t that Jesus cast lots to determine who would be His apostles. Rather, the words of the gospels were clear –</p> <p> </p> <p>“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.” Luke 6:12-16</p> <p> </p> <p>Jesus “chose twelve.” However, in using the words “allotted the lot,” the implication is that the apostles were decided upon in a manner as authoritative as the lot itself. Hence, it is a subtle note of the deity of Christ, as can be inferred from the Proverbs –</p> <p> </p> <p>“The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33</p> <p> </p> <p>As Christ chose His apostles, and as Judas was “allotted the lot,” it signifies that Christ’s decision sta