Acts 1:25

<a></a> Wednesday, 20 October 2021 <p> </p> <p>to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” Acts 1:25</p> <p>In the previous verse, the apostles prayed that the Lord would reveal which two of the candidates to replace Judas was to be chosen. That prayer continues with the words, “to take part in this ministry.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Here, the same word as was used in 1:17, , or “lot,” is used again (although some texts use the word “place” instead of “lot”). This word signifies the casting of the lot. The Lord is the director of the lot (see the commentary on 1:17). As such, Jesus’ decision concerning apostolic appointment was authoritative because He is the Lord.</p> <p> </p> <p>Having rightly interpreted the Scriptures concerning what happened to Judas (as noted in verses 20 and 21), Peter and those with him are clearly directed to replace him with a suitable candidate in order to further the ministry, which is – as the prayer next states – “an apostleship.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Not only were they to fill a void in the ministry, but they were to do so in accord with the apostolic ministry. The term “apostle” signifies one who is sent. There is a close connection between the two. Just as an ambassador personally represents the nation or leader of a nation, so the apostle is personally sent and bears the name (and/or title) of the one who sends him.</p> <p> </p> <p>In this case, it is the apostleship “from which Judas by transgression fell.” In other words, due to his transgression, the apostleship was lost to him. Being dead, that is obvious, but it is specifically noted that the events which brought that about were because of transgression.</p> <p> </p> <p>The word, translated as “transgression,” is a verb now used for the last of three times. It is a compound word, parabainó, coming from words signifying “beside” and “go.” Hence, it signifies willful, defiant stepping over a set line. A more literal and correct translation would be