NLT Illustrated Study Bible - Book of Acts - Flipbook - Page 9
A cts 1 : 2 4
1965
1:16
Ps 41:9
1:17
John 6:7071
Acts 1:2425
1:18
Matt 27:38
1:20
*Pss 69:25; 109:8
1:2122
Mark 1:911
1:22
a anastasis (0386)
Acts
2:31
1:24
Acts 6:6
stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,”
he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled
concerning Judas, who guided those who
arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago
by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King
David. 17 Judas was one of us and shared in
the ministry with us.”
18 (Judas had bought a field with the
money he received for his treachery. Falling
headfirst there, his body split open, spill
ing out all his intestines. 19 The news of his
death spread to all the people of Jerusalem,
and they gave the place the Aramaic name
Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)
20 Peter continued, “This was written in
the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his
home become desolate, with no one living
in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his
position.’*
21 “So now we must choose a replacement
for Judas from among the men who were
with us the entire time we were traveling
with the Lord Jesus—22 from the time he was
baptized by John until the day he was taken
from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a
witness of Jesus’ a resurrection.”
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph
called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and
Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord,
you know every heart. Show us which of
1:20 Pss 69:25; 109:8.
Jesus’ Ascension
Acts 1:611
Matt 24:30
Mark 13:26
Luke 24:4553
John 6:62; 13:13;
14:14, 2728; 16:10,
16, 28; 20:17
Acts 3:20; 7:5456
2 Cor 5:4
Eph 1:1923; 4:810
Phil 2:911
Heb 6:1920
Jesus’ ascension into heaven was a final commissioning service for the apostles (1:611;
Luke 24:4553). The ascension marks the beginning of the powerful ministry of the Holy
Spirit through the church (Luke 24:49).
Christ’s ascension to heaven indicates his elevation to ultimate power and authority (Eph
1:1923; Phil 2:911). That Jesus was going to the Father is noted in other places (John 3:13;
6:62; 13:13; 14:3, 28; 16:10, 16, 28; 20:17; Eph 4:810). It occurred at the last of Jesus’
physical appearances; after this he would remain in heaven until the “times of refreshment”
(Acts 3:20).
The ascension reminds believers of Jesus’ promised return (1:11; see Matt 24:30; Mark
13:26; John 13:3). The witnesses of the ascension went back to Jerusalem with joy and exhil
aration, in praise and worship of Christ (Luke 24:52). They were convinced that their Lord
would return again, physically and personally (1 Thes 4:16; 2 Thes 1:710; 2 Pet 3:10).
Jesus’ ascension anticipates the believer’s own glorious entrance into the presence of God,
where Jesus has gone to prepare the way (John 12:26;
2 Cor 5:4; Phil 3:21; Heb 6:20).
Mount of Olives, where Jesus’ ascension occurred
1:1617 the Scriptures had to be fulfilled: See 1:20.
1:1819 Matthew’s account (Matt
27:310) is somewhat different; the two
can be harmonized by considering the
priests’ purchase of the “Field of Blood”
as acting in Judas’s name. In addition,
Judas may have committed suicide by
hanging, but subsequently he fell headfirst and his body split open, perhaps
when the rope broke.
1:2021 ‘Let someone else take his
position’: It was imperative that a
PROPHETS OF ISRAEL
replacement be found for Judas so that
his position as the twelfth apostle would
not remain empty. The new people of
God, like Israel, were to have twelve des
ignated and appointed leaders (see Matt
19:28; Luke 22:2930).
1:2122 To qualify for nomination as an
apostle, a man had to have been with
the other apostles the entire time of
Jesus’ public ministry, from the time he
was baptized by John until his ascension.
1:2326 With prayer (1:14, 24) and
humble dependence on God to reveal
GOSPELS & ACTS
his will, the apostles cast lots, using an
established method of finding God’s will
(see Lev 16:8; Num 27:21; Deut 33:8;
Josh 14:2; 18:310; Prov 16:33). Matthias was selected to replace Judas. After
Pentecost, the Holy Spirit guided Jesus’
followers through dreams, visions, and
prophecies instead of through lots (cp.
Acts 2:1718; 13:2; 16:710). • you know
every heart: See also 1 Sam 16:67; 1 Kgs
8:39; 1 Chr 28:9; 2 Chr 6:30; Pss 7:9;
44:21; Jer 11:20; John 2:2425; Rev 2:23.
L E T T E R S O F PAU L
OTHER LET TERS
