Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

INTRODUCTION to ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

Who speaks? The speaker or writer is Luke, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke, a companion in travel, and "Physician - Friend" of Paul, Acts 1:1; Luke 1:13; Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11.

To whom? The book was written to Theophilus, (a lover of God) to be passed on to brethren of the companion fellowship and faith - the church of Jesus Christ, Luke 1:1; Acts 1:1-8.

About what? It is written about what Jesus continued to do and teach, thru His Apostles and His new covenant, Spirit empowered church, after His ascension into heaven:

a) In Jerusalem – Acts 1:1 to Acts 7:60.

b) In Judea and Samaria – Acts 8:1 to Acts 12:25.

c) And to the uttermost part of the earth – Acts 13:1 to Acts 28:31.

When? The book was written by Luke, perhaps from Rome, about A.D. 6365, as an inspired, historical, and geographical bridge that spanned the way between the four Gospels and the doctrinal, moral, and ethical "theme-books" of Paul, Peter, James, and John, that followed, to the book of Revelation. The book covers about a 30-35 year span of early church history evangelism, missions, benevolence and Christian education.

What was the occasion? The occasion seems to be that of a fully surrendered Christian Physician, who, thru Inspiration of the Holy Spirit was granted a spiritual desire to supplement the Gospel record he had written of all that Jesus began to do and teach, with an affirmation of what He continued to do and teach, after His resurrection, thru His Spirit empowered church, to all nations, after He ascended back to His Father, Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:46-49.

“You all shall be witnesses (unto me)” Acts 1:8. WHERE? Jerusalem, chapters 1-7; Judea and Samaria, chapters 8-12 (Peter is primary spokesman during chapters 1-7); and unto the uttermost part of the earth, chapters 13-28 (Paul is primary spokesman during chapters 13-28).

The term "Acts of the Apostles" is a misleading title. In fact Peter, James, and John seem to be about the only ones whose acts are recounted, of the twelve.

The Act or "practices of the Holy Spirit empowered church," would seem to be a more accurate and factual title to the book. For the book really recounts how the "Church ye" that had companied with the Lord throughout His ministry, beginning in Galilee, was empowered by the Holy Spirit, as afore-promised to this "fellowship ye" who had been baptized, taught and commissioned by our Lord, to tarry at Jerusalem until they were endued with world-wide and age lasting power from on high, to go preach, baptize, and teach in all nations, Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:46-51; Acts 1:8-11.

This book may be considered as:

a) A handbook for evangelism.

b) A mission manual - map and chart.

c) A Pastor’s manual on church administration in:

1. Evangelism – Acts 2:36-41; Acts 3:19; Acts 4:11-12; Acts 8:35; Acts 10:43; Acts 16:30-31.

2. Missions – Acts 11:22; Acts 13:1-4; Acts 15:40-41.

3. Benevolence – Acts 11:27-30.

4. Church business matters – Acts 1:15-26; Acts 6:2-7; Acts 15:1-4; Acts 15:22-35.

5. Bible school work - Education, at Antioch one year – Acts 11:26; Acts 13:1; At Corinth 1 1/2 years, Acts 18:11; At Ephesus 2 years and 3 months, Acts 19:8-10; In Rome, his own hired house, 2 years, Acts 28:21; Acts 28:30.

WITNESSING IN JERUSALEM - Acts 1-7

(Thru Power of the Spirit, Acts 1:8)

Chapter:

1. A period of obedient waiting, Acts 1:1-26; Luke 24:49.

a) The final statement of commission and ascension, v. 1-11.

b) A waiting fellowship in prayer and common accord, v. 12-14

c) The company (church) choosing of Matthias as an Apostle v.15- 26

2. Pentecost-coming of Holy Spirit upon the church, Acts 2:1-47

a) The promised coming realized, v. 1-13

b) Peter’s first sermon delivered in power of Spirit, v. 14-42

c) Power of Holy Spirit’s influence continued in the church, v. 43-47

3. Ac of empowered Apostles, Acts 3:1-26

a) First post-Pentecost miracle, v. 1-10

b) Peter’s second sermon, theme: the resurrected Messiah, v. 11-26

4. Persecution of the church - Power to persevere, Acts 4:1-37

a) The first persecution, v. 1-22

b) Report of persecuted - second account of empowering, v. 23-31

c) Oneness of Spirit and Stewardship in church fellowship, v. 32-37

5. Failure, Fame and Faithfulness within the church, Acts 5:1-42.

a) Failure and fall of Ananias and Sapphira, v. 1-11

b) Fame of Apostles and church spread abroad, v. 12-16

c) Faithfulness under second persecution of the church, v. 17-42

6. Problems - Widows and false witnesses, Acts 6:1-15

a) The widow problems and deacon selection solution, v. 1-7

b) Third persecution - Stephen the offender-false witnesses hired to testify against him, v. 8-15

7. Stephen’s sermon - history of Israel that pointed to Christ, Acts 7:1-60

a) The patriarch era reviewed, v. 1-16

b) The Mosaic era - summarized, v. 17-43

c) A review of the tabernacle, temple and persecutors of the prophets, v. 44-53

d) The martyr of Stephen recounted by Luke, v. 54-60

WITNESSING IN JUDAEA AND SAMARIA, Acts 8-12

8. Persecution by Saul - Evangelism Work of Philip, Acts 8:1-40

a) Fourth persecution, Saul’s scattering of the church, v. 1-13

b) The church went preaching - Philip’s ministry in Samaria, v. 4-25

c) Simon the sorcerer - A wrong spirit, motive denounced, v. 9-25

d) Philip’s witness to Ethiopian in Gaza desert, v. 26-40

9. Paul’s Conversion and Peter’s Miracle Ministry, Acts 9:1-43

a) The Lord confronts a threatening Saul, v. 1-9

b) Preparation of Ananias, his witness to, baptism of , and laying hands on Saul, v. 10-19

c) Paul begins his preaching ministry, v. 20-31

d) Peter healed Aeneas of palsy at Lydda, v. 32-35

e) Peter raised Tabitha or Dorcas from the dead in Joppa, v. 36-43

10. Peter’s Ministry to Cornelius - Gentile household, Acts 10:1-48.

a) Cornelius of Caesarea, a devout man, and his vision, v. 1-8.

b) Peter had a vision in Joppa to prepare him for this new mission, v. 9-1 6

c) Peter and Cornelius’ messengers confer, v. 17-33

d) The Gospel declared to be same in all ages, to all, v. 34-43

e) Evidence that Gentiles to be received for baptism into the church, v. 44-48

11. Peter’s Defence of Conversion, Baptism of household

of Cornelius, Acts 11:1-30

a) Conversion of Gentiles declared to Jerusalem church, v. 1-18 .

b) Antioch church had a ministry to the Gentiles, v. 19-26

c) Jerusalem church prophets tell Antioch brethren of coming famine, v. 27-30

12. Divine Providence Intercedes, Acts 12:1-25

a) Peter delivered from prison, v. 1-19

b) Herod’s arrogance and death, v. 20-23

c) Return of Paul and Barnabas with Mark to Antioch, v. 24, 25

WITNESSING TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH - Acts 13-28

13. a) Special Holy Spirit call to Paul and Barnabas, v. 1, 2

b) First missionary journey of Paul, v. 2-5

c) Paul confronts two sorcerers- -Bar-Jesus and Elymas, v. 6-13

d) Paul’s sermon theme (Justification by faith) in the synagogues of Antioch in Pisidia, v. 14-43

e) Jewish opposition, v. 44, 45

f) Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles, v. 46-49

g) Further strife stirred by the Jews, v. 50-52

14. a) Witnessing in Iconium, v. 1-5

b) Witnessing in Derbe and Lystra, v. 6-19

c) Paul stoned at Lystra - Left for dead, v. 20-22

d) Further witnessing and confirmation, v. 20-22.

e) Appointment of elders in every church, v. 23-25

f) Return and report to Antioch church in Syria, v. 26-28.

15. a) Jerusalem church council on circumcision, v. 1

b) Antioch depart to council with Paul and Barnabas, v. 2-4

c) The issue and occasion for the council, v. 5, 6

d) Peter’s lead testimony and argument, v. 7-11.

e) Testimony of Paul and Barnabas, v. 12

f) James, presiding, summarized the issue, v. 13-18

g) The conference’s conclusion and letter to the Gentiles of Antioch,

Syria, Cilicia, etc., v. 19-27

h) Gentile believers are not to offend Godly Jews, v. 28-35

i) Controversial issue and Paul’s second journey- - -accompanied by

Silas, v. 36-41

16. a) When Paul found Timothy, v. 1-5

b) The Spirit both hindered Paul and gave him a vision-message, v. 6-11

c) The journey from Troas to Philippi, v. 12, 13

d) Lydia, Paul’s first convert in Europe, v. 14, 15

e) Demon cast from damsel, v. 16-18

f) Paul and Silas charged, beaten, and imprisoned, v. 19-24

g) Prayer and midnight melody by Paul and Silas, v. 25-29.

h) The "what" condition to salvation, v. 30-34.

i) Paul required that the same magistrates who openly beat and imprisoned him and Silas also publicly release them, v. 35-40.

17. a) Paul’s first labors in Thessalonica, v. 1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10

b) Jewish mob-violence against Paul and his helpers, v. 5-9

c) Paul and Silas at Berea, also hounded by unbelieving Jews, v. 10-14.

d) Paul in Athens, in disputation, in the Synagogue, market place, and on Mars’ Hill, v. 15-21

e) Paul’s Mars’ Hill address, v. 22-31f) Three responses to the mighty message, v. 32-34

18. a) Paul at Corinth, tentmaking, v. 1-3

b) Establishing, confirming the Corinthians a year and six months, v. 4-10

c) Gallio, proconsul of Achaia refused to condemn Paul, v. 11-17.

d) Paul took a Jewish vow in Cenchrea, sailed for Ephesus, v. 18-23.

e) Apollos of Alexandria (Africa) came to Ephesus, v. 24-28

f) Paul’s third missionary journey, Acts 18:23 to Acts 21:17

19. a) Paul’s return to Ephesus confers gift of Holy Spirit on certain ones, v. 1-7

b) Paul, the lecturer, two years and three months in Ephesus, v. 8-10

c) Miracles by Paul, v. 11, 12

d) Seven fake healers badly beaten, v. 13-15.

e) Fruits of true and fake miracle working, v. 16-22

f) Silversmith-union leads a mob insurrection (a popular uproar in Ephesus), v. 23-34

g) Townclerk brought assembled theatre to order, v. 35-40

20. a) Paul’s last journey from Asia, his mission to Jerusalem, v. 1-5.

b) All night marathon service at Troas, v. 6-12

c) From Troas to Miletus, Jerusalem bound, v. 13-16

d) Assembly of Asian Elders of the church, called to Ephesus, addressed, v. 17-27

e) Elders, who were also bishops, charged, commended, v. 28-32

f) Paul, an example of humility, integrity, and witnessing, bids Asian Elders a final farewell, v. 33-38

21. a) Paul’s journey- -Miletus to Tyre, v. 1-3

b) Tyre disciples, by the Holy Spirit, discourage Paul from going up to Jerusalem, v. 4-6

c) Journeying on- - -Ptolemais and Caesarea, v. 7-9

d) Prophet Agabus, thru the Spirit, warns Paul not to go up to Jerusalem, v. 10-13

e) Paul journeys on to Jerusalem, v. 14-17

f) Paul confers with James and all the Jerusalem elders, then takes a Jewish vow of purification, (Hebrews 10:2; Hebrews 9:12) v. 18-26

g) Paul dragged from the temple by a Jewish mob, v. 27-32

h) Paul arrested, bound with chains, speaks to mob, v. 33-40

22. a) Paul’s defence to the mob, recounts his conversion, v. 1-16.

b) The Lord repeatedly warned Paul of dangers in Jerusalem, v. 17-24

c) Paul revealed to the centurion that he was a Roman citizen, avoided a scourging, received a legal hearing, v. 25-30

23. a) Paul set before the Sanhedrin, v. 1-5.

b) Appeals to Pharisees of the council, v. 6, 7.

c) Difference and conflict between Pharisees and Sadducees, v. 8-10.

d) Paul called of the Lord to good cheer, v. 11

e) Jewish conspiracy to kill Paul, involving collusion of the Sanhedrin council, v. 12-22

f) Paul sent from Jerusalem to Felix at Caesarea, v. 23-35

24. a) Paul accused by orator Tertullus, before Felix, v. 1-9

b) Paul’s defence before Felix, v. 10-23

c) Postponement of the trial, Paul’s second defence before Felix Two silent years, v. 24-27

25. a) Paul before Festus- - -the new governor, v. 1-9

b) Paul’s appeal to Caesar, to be heard in Rome, v. 10-27

26. a) Paul’s final defence in Israel, before King Agrippa, v. 1-29

b) Summary decision of Felix and Agrippa on the case, v. 30-32.

27. a) Paul’s stormy journey to Rome, v. 1-13.

b) The hurricane and its perils, v. 14-20

c) Paul’s high degree of moral respect, v. 21-44

28. a) Landing safely at Melita- - -Snake bite miracle, v. 1-6

b) Paul’s healing of Publius’ Father, v. 7-15

c) Paul’s greeting by brethren at Appii-Forum and Three Taverns, v. 15

d) Paul’s liberty in Rome- - -own hired lodging place, v. 16. e) Paul’s ministry to the Jews first, in Rome, v. 17-24

f) His turn to the Gentiles, v. 25-31

TO REGIONS BEYOND Chart I

A. PAUL’S FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY (13:1-14:28)

1. His commission (13:1-3)

2. On Cyprus (13:4-13)

3. At Antioch in Pisidia (13:14-52)

4. At lconium (14:1-5)

5. At Lystra and Derbe (14:6-20)

6. Return to Antioch (14-21-28)

B. THE COUNCIL AT JERUSALEM (15:1-35)

1. The problem’(15:1)

2. The deliberations (15:2-21)

3. The solution (15:22-35)

IN REGIONS BEYOND Chart II

C. PAUL’S SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY (In Asia and Europe) Acts 15:36 to Acts 18:22)

1. Dissension with Barnabas (15:36-41)

2. Selection of Timothy (16:1-5)

3. At Philippi (16:6-40)

4. At Thessalonica (17:1-9)

5. At Berea (17:10-14)

6. At Athens (17:15-34)

7. At Corinth (18:1-18)

8. Return to Antioch (18:19-22)

IN REGIONS BEYOND AND FINAL RETURN- Chart III

D. PAUL’S THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY (In Asia, Europe, and Judea, Acts 18:23 to Acts 21:17)

1. Ministry of Apollos (18:24-28)

2. At Ephesus (19:1-41)

3. In Greece (20:1-5)

4. At Troas (20:6-12)

5. At Miletus (20:13-38)

6. Return to Jerusalem (21:1-17)

IN REGIONS BEYOND AND FINAL RETURN- Chart IV

E. PAUL’S IMPRISONMENT IN JUDEA - Trip to Rome (21:18-28:31)

1. His arrest in the temple (21:18-40)

2. His defense before the multitude (22:1-30)

3. His defense before the Sanhedrin (23:1-10)

4. His conspiracy to kill Paul (23:1-10)

5. His departure to Caesarea (23:23-35)

6. His defense before Felix (24:1-27)

7. His defense before Festus (25:1-27)

8. His defense before Agrippa (26:1-32)

9. His voyage to Italy (27:1-44)

10. His ministry at Melita (28:1-1D)

11. His arrival at Rome (28:11-31)

Comments on Acts 1:1

1) "The former treatise have I made," (ton men proton logon epoiesamen) "The first account I made," set forth or presented. This refers beyond reasonable doubt to Luke’s Gospel which too was addressed to Theophilus, Luke 1:3. It is therefore referred to as a "former or prior treatise," dissertation, or written report - Luke does not say "former Gospel," but treatise, which is more than the Gospel.

2) "0 Theophilus," (ho Theophilus) "0 Theophilus (friend of God) or "lover of God,"

3) "Of all that Jesus began," (peri panton) "concerning all things" (hon erksato) "Which began," (ho lesous) "the Jesus;” 1) He began the Gospel in Revelation, Mark 1:14-15; Mark 2) from Galilee, Acts 10:37; Acts 3) His miracles at Cana of Galilee, John 2:11; John 4) His church by the seashores of Galilee, Matthew 4:13-25; Matthew , 5) His teaching ministry to the church in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1 to Matthew 7:29.

4) "Both to do and teach," (poiein te kai didaskein) "Both to do and to teach," Jesus Christ was both a teacher and a doer of the Father’s will, John 5:36-37; John 5:43; John 6:38; John 8:39; John 17:4; John 17:14; He communed with and taught his disciples even after his resurrection, Matthew 28:11-20; Luke 24:15-27; Luke 24:36-53.

It is little wonder that James, Pastor of the church at Jerusalem wrote, "Be ye doers of the Word, not hearers only, deceiving your own selves," James 1:22; Matthew 7:21.

1) "Until the day in which He was taken up," (archi hes hemeras anelemphthe) "Until the day on which He was taken or received up," Acts 1:10-11, He continued doing and teaching the will of His Father. In like manner so should His followers, all His children, especially those who have been baptized and entered into church covenant to do His work, Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Matthew 28:19-20.

2) "After that He through the Holy Ghost," (dia pneumatos hagiou) "Through (the) Holy Spirit," by which He was conceived, anointed, and raised from the dead; Luke 1:34-35; Luke 4:18-21; Romans 8:11. All that Jesus did was in the will of the Father and by the power of the Holy Spirit, third person of the Godhead.

3) "Had given commandments unto the Apostles" (enteilamenos tois apostolois) "Had given injunctions (mandates) to the Apostles," as recounted in the Great Commission, first to the Apostles, later to others of "the church ye," as in this chapter, Acts 1:8-11; Matthew 28:11-20; Mark 16:15; John 20:21.

4) "Whom He had chosen" (hous ekseleksato) "Whom He chose," had called forth and ordained, in the church. He called out, and chose the church as His house, His assembly, His administrative and custodial people, to carryon His work and worship and teachings after He had gone, as surely as Moses called out, organized and commissioned Israel, as his house or covenant people, till Jesus came; Matthew 4:19-21; John 15:16. The "ye" or "you all" whom He chose was and is His church, His bride, His house, Matthew 16:18; John 3:28-29; John 15:16; Mark 13:34-35; 1 Timothy 3:15.

Post-Resurrection Ministry of Christ, V. 3 - 7

1) "To whom also He shewed Himself alive," (hois kai parestesin heauton zonta) "To whom He also presented Himself (bodily) alive," bodily living, living in His body. This He did some ten or more times after His resurrection, last of all when He led them out to Bethany and blessed them as He went into heaven, Luke 24:50-51; Luke 24:36-43.

2) "After His passion," (meta to pathein auton) "After He suffered," after crucifixion and resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Mark 16:14; Matthew 28:5-10; Matthew 28:16-20; John 14:16-17.

3) "By many infallible proofs," (en pollois tekmeriois) "By many evident or sustained proofs," technical proofs of certified nature, such as would be accepted by Doctors at Law, medical doctors, or trustworthy historians, Men saw Him, heard Him, touched Him, and were fed by Him - -more than five hundred at one time, 1 Corinthians 15:6. Such is much more than any law ever required for establishing evidence, of acceptable nature, Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6; John 8:17.

4) "Being seen of them forty days," (di’ hemeron tesserakonta optanomenos) "Being repeatedly seen of them through a forty day period;” What a conference! not continuously, but repeatedly, as He appeared to them on ten or more occasions, as recounted in the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles- - 1) John 20:14-18; John 2) Matthew 28:8-10; Matthew 3) Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5; 1 Corinthians 4) Luke 24:13-31; Luke 5) Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-24; John 6) John 20:24-29; John 7) John 21:1-23; John 8) 1 Corinthians 15:6; 1 Corinthians 9) 1 Corinthians 15:7; 1 Corinthians 10) Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-20; Luke 24:33-53; Acts 1:3-12.

5) "And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:" (kai legon ta peri tes Basileias tou theou) "And speaking (of) the things pertaining to or concerning the kingdom of God," that is regarding the eventual consummation of all things afore prophesied, yet unfulfilled inclusive of - 1) The church and her work; 2) The resurrection; 3) The rapture of the church; 4)The tribulation the great; 5) The millennial reign of the church and restitution of all things to God the Father; 6) The Great White Throne Judgement, and the New Heaven and New Earth. What a conference! What a Bible School for forty days! It was concerning these matters our Lord also appeared to Paul, Acts 9:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8; Acts 22:17-21; Acts 23:11; To Stephen, Acts 7:55; and to John on Patmos, Revelation 1:16-19.

1) "And, being assembled together with them," (kai sunalizomenos) "And, being met in affinity or intimate assembly with them;” In church assembly with the apostles and disciples, numbering at least 120, Acts 1:15; Hebrews 10:24-25.

2) "Commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem," (parengeilen autois apo lerosolumon me chorizesthai) "He charged (to) them not to depart or go out apart, away, from Jerusalem;” except, as, and until the Divinely appointed time and circumstances had come, Luke 24:49.

3) "But wait for the promise of the Father," (alla perimenein ten epongelian tou patros) "But that they were to wait for or on the promise of the Father," the coming empowering of the Holy Spirit which the Father had promised to send to and for them, as a church, His church, John 14:16-17.

4) "Which, saith He, ye have heard of me." (hen ekoustate mou) "Which (promise) you all hear of or from me," as I gave you the promise, which my Father gave to me, John 14:26; John 16:3; Acts 1:8.

1) "For John truly baptized with water;- (hoti ebaptisen hedti) "Because John indeed (certainly) baptized (immersed) in water;- or with water and in water. Not with or in oil, in perfume, in alcohol, or in grease, etc.; The term "baptize" means, always means, to immerse, submerge, bury, or completely plant beneath a solid, liquid, or cloud surface or level; Matthew 3:11; Matthew 3:13-16; Mark 1:8-11; Luke 3:16; John 1:26; John 1:33.

2) "But ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost" (humeis de en pneumati baptisthesesthe hagio) "But you all will be baptized in (the) Holy Spirit;” both with and in the Holy Spirit. This points to the overwhelming, empowering, immersing with and in the Holy Spirit of promise that came on Pentecost, as prophesied and promised, by John the Baptist and by Jesus, Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16; Luke 24:49; John 14:16-17. The "ye" refers, not to the Apostles restrictedly, but to the church as, an Institution, that was baptized, immersed, endued once for all, for her world-wide and age long work, beginning at Jerusalem, Acts 1:8; Luke 24:47; John 14:16-17.

3) "Not many days hence." (ou meta pollas tautas hemeras) "Not many days hereafter," in a few days, or not many days from this time, the time our Lord was then speaking to them, as they obediently tarried in Jerusalem, awaiting the day of Pentecost on which day the empowering, dedicating, and abiding Holy Spirit of promise came upon the church - the praying church - the believing church, and the obediently waiting church, Acts 1:14; Acts 1:21-26; Acts 2:1-4. The "not manydays hence," appear to be about ten days, since it is stated that our Lord was seen of them forty days after His resurrection, before He ascended; and Pentecost came fifty days after the Passover and His resurrection, Acts 1:3; Acts 2:1-4.

This Pentecostal baptism of the Holy Spirit was just as literal and real an event for the church as was Israel’s baptism "unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea," 1 Corinthians 10:1-4. The baptism of Israel was "unto", Moses and Joshua, his successor’s leadership in directing the Mosaic law of worship, and the church baptism was “unto" Jesus’ leadership, empowered by the Holy Ghost to continue the witness work of Jesus.

1) "When they therefore were come together," (hoi men oun sunelthontes) "So then those coming together in affinity, of their own accord," the Apostles and the church, at one of the latter of His ten or more appearances with them during the first forty days after His resurrection, Acts 1:3-5; This meeting was likely on the Mount of Olives or in Bethany, Luke 24:47-51.

2) "They asked of Him, saying," (eroton auton legontes) "They (of the church assembly)) inquired of Him, saying," desiring to know, to understand what the immediate future held for them, ahead of His desired will for them, rather than to be content in their then state of being, Hebrews 13:5.

3) "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" (kurie ei en to chrono touto apokathistaneis basileian to Israel) "Lord, at this time, are you willing to restore (set up again) right now, the kingdom to Israel?" Their continuing desire was for natural Israel’s kingdom restoration over all Gentile kingdoms to which their people had become subservient. They still were strongly concerned about national pride, even above spiritual matters. The kingdom of Israel is to be restored; Jesus is to sit and reign on David’s throne, but not until after He returns from heaven in power and great glory; Romans 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15:24.

1) "And He said unto them," (eipen pros autos) "He responded or replied to them," to the Apostles and other members of the assembled brethren, the church "ye", who had assembled with Him, Acts 1:3-6.

2) "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons," (ouch humon estin gnonai chronous e kairous) “It does not exist (in the will of the Father) (for) of you all to recognize the chronological times or the eras of time," With regards to the restoration of the kingdom to Israel. Like Daniel who repeatedly inquired of the Lord for definitive details regarding the final 42 months of Israel’s trouble was told to forget it, leave it to others who would understand in their times, so our Lord spoke to His church regarding the restoration of Israel, Daniel 11:45; Daniel 12:1; Daniel 12:4; Daniel 12:6-10; Daniel 12:13.

3) "Which the Father hath put in His own power."(hous ho pater etheto en te idia eksousia) "Which chronological times and eras (seasons of time) the Father placed, fixed, set or located (held) in His own authority;” and when that time comes, approaches, the "wise shall understand," and those then living and watching, the church "ye," the “children of light," shall understand, that that day shall not "come upon them unaware." This is the revelation theses of Daniel, Jesus, and Paul, Daniel 12:10; Luke 21:3-36; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5; Hebrews 9:28.

How long, as a chronological event, or when the season of the church’s witness to the Gentile World, to all nations will be over, fulfilled, or completed, no one knows, but there are sufficient prophetic events that have been, are being, and only a few that may yet be fulfilled, so that true Bible believers and church members must not let that day of our Lord’s return come upon them unawares, asa thief in the night, to find them unexpectant or unprepared, Matthew 24:37; Matthew 24:42; Matthew 24:44; Matthew 25:1; Matthew 25:5-13; Mark 13:33-37.

The Post Resurrection Commission of the Church, V. 8, 9

1) "But ye shall receive power," (alla lempsesthe dunamin) "But you all will receive power," a dynamic, energizing, motivating strength." The "ye" or "you all" refers to the church that had companied with the Lord throughout His ministry, Acts 1:21-22; Luke 24:44-51.

2) "After that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:" (epelthonotos tou hagiou pnematos eph’ humas) "When the Holy Spirit comes upon you," of his own will or accord, John 15:26-27.

3) "And ye shall be witnesses unto me," (kai esethe mou martures) "And you all will be witnesses of me," of who I am, what I am, what I have done, am doing, and shall do for all and for the world. This is the church’s mission charge or marching orders.

4) "Both in Jerusalem," (en te lerousalem) "Both in Jerusalem," the city, city area of Jerusalem, the Jerusalem territory, city and immediate suburbs - then in outer regions or territories as follows, Luke 24:46-48.

5) "And in all Judea and Samaria," (kai en pase te loudaia kai Samaria)"’And (even, also) in all the area of Judea and Samaria, the immediate bordering territories surrounding and to the north of the city of Jerusalem, described in their witness, Acts 8:1 to Acts 12:25.

6) "And unto the uttermost part of the earth." (kai heos eschatou tes ges) "And even as far as or unto the farthest outpost or extremity of the earth;” wherever a human being may exist in need of hearing the witness, the testimony of the Word and of the redeemed about the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and His works among all nations, Acts 1:22; This charge was given to that company, that body, that assembly of believers who had been with Jesus, as a growing body from the beginning, John 15:27; Acts 1:21-22.

1) "And when He had spoken these things," (kai tauta eipon) "And as He was saying these things," as He was concluding saying these things, instructing, comforting, and assuring His witnesses, the church who had been with Him from the beginning of His public ministry in Galilee, John 15:27; Acts 1:11; Acts 1:21-22; Ephesians 3:21.

2) "While they beheld," (bleponton auton) "As they looked," or while they were looking on, beholding, watching and listening in rapt attention. They were to continue what Jesus had "done and said," as doers of the Word, and teachers of His Word, in witnessing unto Him thru the church, after the empowering of the Promised Holy Spirit, Acts 4:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14.

3) "He was taken up;” (eperthe) "He was taken (raised or lifted) up," bodily and visibly. To Timothy, Paul wrote that He was "received up into glory," 1 Timothy 3:16. There at the Father’s right hand He makes intercession for His children (He advocates for them) until He returns in power and great glory, Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1.

4) "And a cloud received Him out of their sight." (kai nephele hupelaben auton apo ton ophthalmon auton) "And a cloud engulfed Him (received Him), took Him, away from their view," or away from where they could see Him any longer with their eyes. He was "received up in glory," restored to the glory that He had with the Father before His descension and condescension, John 17:5; Philippians 2:9-11; 1 Timothy 3:16; He is in glory, awaiting His return and Coronation Day of His preeminent Glory, Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:12.

Angelic Promise of Christ’s Return, V. 10, 11

1) "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven," (kai hos atenizontes hesan eis ton ouranon) "And as they were gazing to or toward heaven," beyond the clouds, toward the realm of glory He left when "He became poor" that believers might become rich, 2 Corinthians 8:9; to which place they saw Him start His journey back to the Father, Acts 1:11; Ephesians 4:8-10; Psalms 66:18.

2) "As He went up," (poreuomenou auton) "As He went (was going) up and away," was raptured away bodily as Enoch and Elijah and we, (of the church who follow Him) shall be raptured alive at His coming in the air, Genesis 5:22; Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5; 2 Kings 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

3) "Behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;”(kai idou andres duo pareistelkeisan autois en esthesesi leukais) "Behold also two men (were standing) stood alongside them (in the midst of their company) in radiant dress," white, shining apparel or garments. "Two men," not one, that in he "mouth of two witnesses," every word might be established or verified, John 8:17; Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6.

These two men in "white" or "dazzling," apparel appear to be heavenly messengers, also frequently called angels, and such as appeared to Lot, referred to first as angels, and later as men with a message from God, Genesis 19:1-2; Genesis 19:5; Genesis 19:10; Genesis 19:12; Genesis 19:15-16. The white apparel of Divine messengers seems to signify that God’s witnesses and messengers should be morally and ethically clean, Romans 12:1-2; It is written of old, "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord," Isaiah 52:11; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

1) "Which also said," (hois kai eipan) "Who also said," in unison, in harmony asserted, that "every word," might be established, Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16; They even prophesied in unison as follows, 2 Corinthians 13:1.

2) "Ye men of Galilee," (andres, Galilaioi) "Men, Galileans;” These two heavenly witnesses (angels) knew these Galileans, identified them, chided and motivated them; Remember these were Galileean baptized believers who had companied, repeatedly assembled in church capacity, with our Lord from the beginning, even from John’s Baptism, John 15:27; Acts 1:21-22.

3) "Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?" (ti hestekate blepontes eis ton ouranon) "Why are you all just standing up, glancing or looking toward the far away heaven?" Toward the third heaven into which their Lord had gone as they gazed in awe and wonder after Him, 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Hebrews 9:24.

4) "This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven," (houtos ho lesous ho analemphtheis aph’ humon eis ton ouranon) "This one, the (very) Jesus, the one having been taken up (out of your midst), away from you, into the heaven;” where God the Father, the throne, and the living souls of the redeemer are in His presence with joy forevermore, Psalms 16:11. Note the same Jesus was the virgin born, sinless, sacrificing, redeeming one, now resurrected, Acts 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3:15-16.

5) "Shall so come," (houtos eleusetai) "Will come just like this," this way, in His same person, bodily, visibly, and to stand with you, be with you all personally, individually, and as His church assembly, once originating from Galilee, He shall as surely come - His Word can not fail, and He said, "I will come again," Matthew 24:35; John 14:1-3; John 21:22-25.

6) "In like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." (hon tropon etheasasthe auton poreuomenon eis ton ouranon) "In the way (manner) you all gazingly scrutinized Him going into heaven;” In His body He shall come, in clouds He shall come to those looking for, anticipating Him, He shall come to His church, He shall come as a bridegroom, as He went away, Matthew 25:1-15; Mark 13:34; Revelation 19:7-9.

Tarrying Ten Days for the Holy Spirit, V. 12-14

1) "Then returned they unto Jerusalem," (tote hupestrepsan eis lerousalem) "Then they went back (returned) into Jerusalem," the city proper; The "they" refers to the company of church disciples who had companied with the Lord thru His earthly ministry, beginning from the baptism of John, Acts 1:21; John 15:26-27.

2) "From the mount called Olivet," (apo orous tou kaloumenou elaionos) "From the mount that is called (being called or known as) of the olive grove," adjacent to Jerusalem on the East, over against or leading from Jerusalem to Bethphage and Bethany on the mount called Olivet, leading to Bethany, a little more than a mile east of Jerusalem, Luke 24:50-51.

3) "Which is from Jerusalem," (ho estin engus lerousalem) "Which is near Jerusalem," nearly adjoining the city of Jerusalem on the east.

4) "A sabbath day’s journey," (sabbatou echon hadon) "Being or existing a sabbath day’s journey," as one may walk by road under the Mosaic Law. This identifies the distance it was east of Jerusalem, out on the Mount of Olives, where Jesus led His disciples, His church, for His ascension back to His Father in heaven. The particular distance was one and two tenths miles as restricted by Mosaic Law, or some say a less distance of only 4,854 feet, or three quarters of a mile (2,000 cubits), Numbers 35:5.

1) "And when they were come in," (kai hote eiselthon) "And when they entered," were come into Jerusalem, of their own accord, their own volition, upon returning from the ascension scene. They returned to the city of peace, Jerusalem, where they were to tarry, Luke 24:49.

2) "They went up into an upper room," (eisto huperoon anebesan) "They went up (up stairs) into an upper room, a room above the ground floor of the building," well known to the apostles, perhaps the home of John Mark’s mother, Mark 14:15; Luke 22:8; Luke 22:12.

3) "Where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew," (hou esan katamenontes) "Where (there) they were in waiting, tarrying, for the coming of the Holy Ghost," (ho te petros kai loannes kai lakobos kai andreas) "both (couples) Peter and Andrew, James and John," couples who were brothers, Luke 6:14.

4) "Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew," (Philippos kai Thomas Bartholomaios kai Matthaios) "Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, Luke 6:14-15.

5) "James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes," (lakobos alphaiou kai Simon ho zelotes) "James who was a son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot," Luke 6:15.

6) "And Judas the brother of James," (kai loudas lakobou) "And Judas who was a brother of James." Both writers of the New Testament books bearing their names, Luke 6:16. This Judas was the brother of James the son of Alphaeus.

1) "These all continued with one accord," (houtoi pantes esan proskarterountes homothumadon) "These all continued, continually, persistently with one theme of mind, or accord, in harmony," in the upper room, as they waited during the ten following days for the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Acts 2:1; Acts 2:46.

2) "In prayer and supplication," (te proseuche) "in prayer and even supplication;” There is power that moves God when His people meet in fellowship and persevering prayer in harmony, in one mind, and one accord, Acts 4:31-32; Acts 12:5; Acts 12:12.

3) "With the women and Mary the mother of Jesus," (sun gunaiksen kai mariam te metri (tou) lesou) "in close fellowship or affinity with (the) women of the church and Mary who was the mother of Jesus," all of whom had witnessed the ascension of their Lord and ours. It was they who had been called and chosen of the Lord, then commissioned as His church to be a witness to Him among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, Luke 24:45-49; John 15:16; John 15:27; Acts 1:8; Acts 1:21-22; Acts 10:37; Acts 10:39-43.

4) "And with His brethren." (kai sun tois adelphois autou) "And in close affinity of fellowship with the other brethren of the Lord;- who were addressed by the heavenly witnesses as "men of Galilee," evidently early disciples and members of our Lord’s church, from its beginning in Galilee, referred to as "witnesses chosen before of God," John 15:27; Acts 10:41; Ephesians 3:8-10.

First Church Business Meeting (Election of Matthias to succeed Judas, V. 15-26)

1) "And in those days," (kai en tois hemerais tautais) "And in these (those) days;” The days of prayer, supplication, and waiting in one accord for the coming of the Holy Spirit of Promise to endue them with special power - as they tarried, John 14:16-17; John 15:26.

2) "Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and said," (anastas Petros en meso ton adelphon eipen) "Peter standing up in the midst of the brethren (the church) said;” Peter was a leader in our Lord’s church, recognized as such, when he arose and presided over afore-prophesied business matters in the church, as the church tarried for empowering of the Holy Spirit, which occurred on Pentecost, shortly following this church business meeting.

3) “(The number of names together " (en te ochlos onomaton epi to auto) "The crowd of the names that were together;" It appears that a roll of names, of baptized brethren who were covenant followers of the Lord, had been kept crowded together. And that these brethren were aware of it.

4) "Were about an hundred and twenty,)" (hosei hekaton eikosi) "Were approximately an hundred and twenty," most at least were Galileans, as recognized and identified by the two angelic messengers who appeared to them at the ascension of their Lord into heaven, v. 11. This company of followers of Jesus, from His early ministry in Galilee, was His new covenant church. He had called and chosen them to be custodians and disseminators of His work, worship, and service when He was gone, John 15:16; Acts 10:37-41.

1) "Men and brethren," (Andres, Adelphoi) "Men, brethren;” This is a case of Peter’s direct address to the one hundred and twenty (120) mature church brethren who had spent more than three years following Jesus, Acts 1:21-22.

2) "This scripture must needs have been fulfilled," (edei plerothenai ten graphen) "it behoved, became or was necessary that this scripture be fulfilled;” this Scripture he was about to quote, as Jesus often did, Luke 24:25-27; Luke 24:44-45.

3) "Which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before," (hen proipen to pneuma to hagion dia stomatos David) "Which the Holy Spirit spoke long before (ago) through the mouth of David;” Peter thus gives approval of or sanction to the credibility of David as an inspired prophet, a holy man, and old testament writer, Psalms 41:9.

4) "Concerning Judas," (peri louda) "Concerning or with regards to Judas," who betrayed our Lord, John 13:18-19; Luke 22:1-6; Matthew 26:47-50.

5) "Which was guide to them that took Jesus," (tou genomenou hodegou tois suilabousin lesoun) "The one who became (acted as) a guide to those taking Jesus," those who seized and arrested Him in Gethsemane, John 18:1-5; Luke 22:47-48. It is here said that Judas "went before" or led the way to Jesus in Gethsemane and kissed Him when He was arrested by the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders of Israel, Luke 22:52-54.

1) "For he was numbered with us," (hoti katerithmemenos hen en hemin) "Because he was having been numbered, counted or calculated among us," as one of us, both as one of the church brethren and one of the twelve Apostles, who had been chosen of the Lord and companied with the church from John’s baptism and from our Lord’s early ministry in Galilee, Acts 1:21-22; He even ate with the Lord to the end, Matthew 26:21-25.

2) "And had obtained part of this ministry," (kai elachen ton kleron tes diakonias tautes) "And he had attained, obtained, or received the portion (one twelfth) or one of twelve portions of this common apostolic ministry;” One office of which ministry had been vacated in his death, Luke 6:12-16.

His was a fake and false profession which he impulsively and covetously chose for himself even to the betrayal of our Lord for the thirty pieces of silver and his own self-willed suicide, Matthew 26:14-16.

1) "Now this man purchased a field," (houtos men oun ektesato chorion) "This one (of the twelve, Judas) bought a field," a piece or plot of ground, as alluded to in Zechariah 11:11-14; Matthew 27:3-10.

2) "With the reward of iniquity;” (ek misthou tes adikias) "Out of (the) pay, wages, or reward of unrighteousness;” for his traitorous sale of his Master for thirty pieces of silver, as foretold also, Jeremiah 19:1-3; Zechariah 11:12; Mark 14:10-11.

3) "And failing headlong, he burst asunder in the midst," (kai prenes genomenos elakesen Mesos) "And having become swollen up in the middle he burst asunder," burst open in the middle of his belly, a self-willed suicide whose conscious memorex system of burning guilt he no longer willed to endure or survive. He was led by covetous greed and its wages to a suicide grave, Proverbs 1:22-29.

4) "And all his bowels gushed out," (kai eksechuthe panta ta splagchna autou) "And all of his bowels were poured out of him;- Peter stated a fact, but he did not heap scorn or abuse upon Judas or call him "the traitor." This indicates remarkable emotional restraint on the part of Peter who certainly recognized the betrayal of his Lord as an atrocious and murderous act. Memories of the passion (suffering) of our Lord were surely yet vivid in Peter’s mind, 1 Peter 2:21-24.

1) "And it was known," (kai gnoston egeneto) "And it became known," or it became common knowledge, could not be concealed, even from men, much less from the all-knowing God, Romans 14:11-12. "Be sure your sins will find you out," Numbers 32:23.

2) "Unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem," (pasai tois katoikousin lerousalem) "To all those who were common inhabitants (in) Jerusalem;” bad news or news of bad things spread like prairie fires in a windstorm, even in life, and shall be "brought up again" at the judgement, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

3) "Insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue," (hoste klethenai to chorion ekeino te idia dialekto auton) "So that the field came to be (is) called in their own language," not only till that day of Luke’s writing, but also even until this century, it is identified as the field that memorializes a traitor, and treachery of religious nature, Galatians 6:7-8.

4) "Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood." (akeldamach tout’ estin chorion haimatos) "Aceldama, this is (exists as) The field of blood;- of blood-money, even to travelers who go there after these many centuries. The low value of human life is here memorialized, together with the high cost of such low and base standard of conduct, to sell human life for money- -for the greed of a moment; It is a matter that shall surely be brought into judgement, Ecclesiastes 11:9; Matthew 12:36; Romans 2:16.

1) "For it is written in the book of Psalms," (gegraptai gar en Biblo psalmon) "For it has been written in the book of Psalms," the scroll-roll of Psalms, Psalms 69:25.

2) "Let his habitation be desolate," (genetheto he epaulis autou eremos) "Let his estate become deserted or empty;” The prophecy of Psalms 69:15 seems to indicate that this habitation to be left desolate was that of Israel in her worship program, not merely Judas’s alone.

3) "And let no man dwell therein" (kai me esto ho katoikon en aute) "And let not (do not permit) even one or anyone to dwell in it (his estate)," he joined estate with natural Israel in the betrayal, openly showed himself to love money and the Jewish enemies of Christ more than the Savior. It may therefore be concluded that the desolation referred to him and his chosen identity with Christ rejecting Israel, Matthew 23:37-38; John 1:11-12.

4) "And his bishoprick let another take." (kai ten episkopen autou labeto heteros) "And his office let or permit another (of different kind or character) take or receive." The term bishoprick means "overseership,"

referring to what is later called the "Office of a bishop," 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:7. The office in which he received the oversight of a specific group or number of the Lord’s people, in the administration of a specific (not universal invisible) congregation or assembly (church) of Jesus Christ. The office of Bishop which Judas held as one of the apostles was to be filled by another, to be chosen by the church, from among the brethren assembled at this time of Peter’s address.

1) "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us," (dei oun ton sunelthonton hemin andron) "it is therefore becoming that of the men (male persons) having continually come along in affinity of fellowship with us," the "us" of the (120) early ministry Galilean brethren of maturity who had obeyed the Lord in tarrying in Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Spirit in His special dedicating empowerment of the church company.

2) "All the time that," (en panti chrono o) "in or during all the chronological (running order) of time in which; This refers to our Lord’s conduct thru all His active ministry, following His baptism by John until His ascension, Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 1:10-11.

3) "The Lord went in and out among us," (eiselthan kai ekselthen eph’ hemos ho kurios lesous) "The Lord Jesus came and went among us, of His own accord, while teaching and guiding them to do His church service and work after He was gone. Just as the one prophecy had been fulfilled regarding Judas Iscariot and his decease and vacancy of his bishoprick, even so Peter unhesitatingly expressed an accepted understanding of the company of church brethren that they should elect or choose an apostle to fill the vacated oversight bishoprick office of Judas, John 20:30-31; John 21:24-25.

1) "Beginning from the baptism of John," (arksamenos apo tou baptismatos loannou) "Beginning or originating from the baptism of John," who was sent from God to prepare the way and a people for accepting and following Jesus Christ, Matthew 3:1-3; Matthew 3:11-17; John 1:6-8; John 1:15; John 1:25-34.

2) "Unto that same day that He was taken from us," (heos tes hemeras hes anelemphthe aph’ hemon) "Until the very day when he was taken up from among us," the very church, those who saw Him go into heaven, the Galilean brethren, especially, Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-11. Just as He went into heaven, with uplifted hands, blessing His church brethren who had companied with Him from the heaven mandated and administered baptism of John--He shall also return in like manner, with special blessings for His church, or His bride, Revelation 22:12.

3) "Must one be ordained," (dei hena genesthai) "it is necessary or proper that one become," be ordained, be set in order of office, that Judas once filled among the twelve Apostles. To ordain literally means "to set in order or position of special official service." The church had been mandated by our Lord to do this, Matthew 28:16-20; John 20:21.

4) "To be a witness with us of His resurrection," (martura tes anastaseos autou sun hemin genesthai hena touton) "To become a witness of His resurrection in colleague (close affinity with us), the twelve Apostles and the 120 members of the Lord’s church who engaged in this first recorded orderly church conference meeting after the ascension of our Lord, Acts 1:8; John 15:16; John 15:27; Acts 10:40-41.

That a company of baptized believers had been called out from the disciples of John the baptist to follow Jesus obediently for more than three years of His public ministry is incontestably evident from this and other scriptures. And it was this company that constituted His church, house, or bride, which He left when He went into heaven, to which He had given the Great Commission, Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 13:34-37; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-8; 2 Corinthians 11:1-2; Revelation 19:6-7.

1) "And they appointed two," (kai estesan duo) "And they set up (nominated) put forward, two," two male persons, two men, following the precept of doing all things "decently and in order," 1 Corinthians 14:40. The "they" refers to the company of church or assembly brethren obediently waiting, tarrying, as per the mandate of their Lord before beginning their world-wide and age long witnessing ministry at Jerusalem, Luke 24:46-48.

2) "Joseph called Barsabas," (loseph ton kaloumenon Barsabban) "The Joseph being called (known as) Barsabas," first of the nominees set forth. None knows who this Joseph Barsabas (Justus) was though it is conjectured that he was elected from among the seventy Apostles whose ministry was that of heralds who preceded Jesus into "every city and place" He traveled in His ministry thereafter, Luke 10:1.

3) "Who was surnamed Justus," (hos epeklethe loustos) "Who (also) was surnamed Justus," a Roman surname given to him as now a Christian Jew or Israelite.

4) "And Matthias" (kai Matthian) "And Matthias," second of the nominees set forth. Nothing more is known of him than that he certainly fulfilled the qualifications set forth by the Lord, stated by Peter on this occasion, and approved by the Holy Spirit and the church company who had nominated him for the Apostolic office. It is also considered that he had formerly been one of the seventy herald Apostles who had been sent before Him in announcing His itinerary in "every city and place," He should thereafter enter during all His ministry. This nomination of candidates for a church office seems to set forth the beginning of the New Testament church pattern of congregational rule in church affairs. The congregations were consulted, and voted on major matters of church business, not just the preachers, elders or Bishops.

1) "And they prayed and said,"(kai proseuksamoi eipan) "And praying they said;” They were in one accord before their church business meeting began and after nomination of these two brethren and before they cast lots or voted they petitioned the Lord for guidance in their decision and vote, a worthy thing for churches still today, Acts 1:14; Colossians 3:17.

2) "Thou, Lord which knowest the hearts of all men," (su kurie kardiognosta panton) "Thou Lord the heart-knower of all people," who knows, discerns, perceives the hearts, center of affections and motives of all. 0 that men were conscious that God progressively knows and keeps a record of every work, overt and covert, (covered and hidden) of all men! He knows the intents of hearts and thoughts afar off in His omniscience, Hebrews 4:12; Acts 15:8 Romans 8:27; 1 John 3:20.

3) "Shew whether of these two thou hast chosen," (anadeikson on ekselekso ek touton ton duo hena) "Show (to us) whom, which one, thou didst choose of these two," or whether either, when we nominated them, or set them forth. God showed whom He had chosen by means of their casting lots and the lot or majority fell on Matthias. As God gives men daily bread by instrument of health, jobs, and certain other means; So He shows His will for His church in business matters, when His people act in harmony with what He has commanded them to do. For instance, the "Lord adds to the church," but He does it by means, instrument, or agency of His people, thru their witnessing, teaching, and administering baptism, as a church, to those who have first received salvation, been born of the Spirit, or regenerated by faith in Christ Jesus and pledged to work with the church, Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 14:1.

1) "That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship," (labein ton topon tes diakonias tautes kai apostoles) "To take the place of this common ministry, even an apostleship," a position of appointed oversight in spiritual matters of council, teaching, and preaching appointed for the twelve Apostles, by our Lord, Matthew 10:1-42.

2) "From which Judas by transgression fell," (aph’ es parebe loudas) "From which (lofty office) Judas (the Iscariot) fell," Acts 1:16-20. He had held the bag (the money) received by the Lord and other apostles in their itinerary work. His greed, stealing, and avarice grew worse and worse until he finally betrayed the Lord for the thirty pieces of silver, John 12:6; John 13:29; Matthew 27:3-10.

3) "That he might go to his own place," (pore uthena i eis ton topon ton idion) "To go on to the place of his own," of his own choosing, of his own accord, of his own chosen destination, to eternal destruction, without excuse; a guilty conscience must eventually find either hell or pardon, Pr 291; Ro 21; John 17:12.

1) "And they gave forth their lots;” (lao edokan klerous autois) "And they doled out lots for them;” the "they" who doled out or cast their votes were the one hundred and twenty, of the church who had companied with Jesus from the baptism of John the Baptist and from the Lord’s early ministry in Galilee where His church originated, Acts 1:20-21; Acts 1:11; Matthew 3:17-17; John 15:16.

2) "And the lot fell upon Matthias;” (kai epesen ho kleros epi Matthian) "And the dole, lot, or vote (of the majority) fell on or for Matthias," whom God had chosen, Acts 1:14, as He had earlier chosen the church, John 15:16; John 15:27.

3) "And he was numbered with," (kai sungkatepsephisthe) "And he was numbered, identified, or counted in affinity with, or in colleague with," the number of the other apostles. There is no reasonable cause to doubt that this church business transaction was of Divine order and had Divine Sanction, Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18.

4) "The eleven Apostles," (meta ton endeka apostolon) "With the eleven Apostles," again making up the twelve, number our Lord formerly or originally ordained, and concerning whom He pledged that they should set on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel in the Golden Millennium, Matthew 10:1-7; Luke 22:28-30.