101. THE CALLING OF ANOTHER APOSTLE

"From, us must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection"

Aim

To show that Jesus went to heaven after his resurrection and will shortly return; and the apostles chose another disciple to replace Judas Iscariot. The 'Acts of the Apostles € is that book of the Bible, written by Luke, which tells us of the things the apostles did after Jesus was taken up into heaven.

Acts 1

THE LAST WORDS OF CHRIST TO HIS APOSTLES (vv 1-8)

After his resurrection, Jesus spent forty days on the earth with his apostles and other disciples before ascending into heaven. During this time he told them some of the wonderful things about the Kingdom, which he is to set up for God upon the earth.

At the end of these forty days the apostles asked the Lord if he would set up the Kingdom and rule as King now. Jesus replied that it was not for them to know the exact time that this would happen. However, the apostles had an important work to do while he was away. They must preach the Gospel all over the Roman world. The Lord told them that they would receive the power of the Holy Spirit to help them.

The word "apostle" means "one sent". They would be sent to teach both the Jews and the Gentiles throughout the Roman empire the things that they had seen and heard and learned from the Lord Jesus Christ. The message which the apostles taught is called "the Gospel", which means "good news" or "glad tidings". The Gospel is the good news about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. It is certainly good news to all who hear it because if they believe it they will be saved (see Instructor question 72).

JESUS ASCENDS INTO HEAVEN (vv 9-11)

Jesus had finished telling the apostles of the work they were to do when suddenly he was taken up from them into heaven. While they gazed in amazement into heaven, Jesus disappeared from sight in a cloud and two angels dressed in white appeared and said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven" (v11). These words are so important that it would be good for you to learn them off by heart. The angels were telling the apostles what Jesus himself had been teaching them - that he would go to sit at God's right hand in heaven. They had seen him go with their own eyes and he would just as surely return to the earth to set up the Kingdom of God. This time is very close at hand, and those who are looking for him will soon see him.

THE DISCIPLES GATHER IN THE UPPER ROOM (vv 12-14)

Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives which is just outside the walls of Jerusalem. The eleven apostles went back to the city to the upper room in which they were living. The Lord had told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the Holy Spirit power to be given them as God had promised (1:4,5). There they continued to worship and pray to God, with many other disciples, about one hundred and twenty altogether.

ANOTHER APOSTLE MUST BE CHOSEN (vv 15-22)

While they were gathered together, Peter pointed out that another apostle must be chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot. You remember that Judas had wickedly betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders and they had crucified him. When Judas realised what he had done he went out and hanged himself (Matt. 27:5).

Jesus had said that, when he returned, the twelve apostles would sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). So another apostle was needed to make up the twelve.

MATTHIAS IS CHOSEN (vv 23-26)

From those that were suitable, two disciples were chosen - Joseph called Barsabas and Matthias. It was a very important decision to make. So the eleven apostles turned to God in prayer. They prayed that He would help them make the right choice, for He knew what was in the hearts of men (vv24-25).

After they had prayed, they cast lots and Matthias was chosen. God had answered their prayer. From then on Matthias was counted with the other eleven to make up the twelve apostles.

LESSON FOR US

Let us be like the other faithful apostles and look for the Lord Jesus Christ to return from heaven. God's reward will be for all those who believe and obey Him. God has promised that all those who believe His Word and obey His commandments will be given eternal life (Romans 2:7). They will live upon the earth as kings and priests forever with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us not be like wicked Judas who threw away the wonderful honour of being one of Jesus' apostles. He chose praise of men and love of money instead of eternal life in God's Kingdom.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

THE QUALIFICATIONS OF AN APOSTLE (vv20-22)

Peter saw from the Old Testament Scriptures that another should be appointed to take the place of Judas (v20 cp Psalm 69:25; Psalm 109:8). In selecting another apostle however it was necessary that the person should

1. have been a constant follower of Jesus during his ministry (v21)

2. have followed from the time of the baptism of John the Baptist up to the resurrection of Christ (v22)

3. have witnessed Jesus alive after his resurrection (v22).

We can see why the one chosen had to have these special qualifications. He was to go out and convince people that the same Jesus whom the Jews had crucified was raised from the dead. The good news of the Kingdom depended on the resurrection of Jesus and the hope of his return.

QUESTIONS

Short Answers

1. How long was Jesus with his apostles and other disciples after his resurrection?

2. What did the apostles hope that Jesus would do after his resurrection?

3. What work did Jesus leave his apostles to do?

4. What does the word "apostle" mean?

5. What is the Gospel?

6. Where did the Apostles go after Jesus ascended into heaven?

7. What had the Lord told the apostles to wait for?

8. Who was chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot?

9. What reward will the twelve apostles have in the Kingdom?

10. Who else will God reward when Christ returns from heaven?

Detailed Answers

11. (a) What did the angels tell the eleven apostles on the Mount of Olives?

(b) What do these words mean to us?

12. Tell how another apostle was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot.

Additional Answers

13. What did Jesus discuss with his disciples during the forty days after his resurrection?

14. Why was it necessary to choose another apostle to replace Judas Iscariot?

13. What are the qualifications of an apostle?