A Church Business Meeting (Acts 1:15-26)

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Acts 1:15-26 (New International Version)

 

 15In those days Peter stood up among the believers[a] (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)16and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— 17he was one of our number and shared in this ministry."

 18(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

 20"For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms, 
   " 'May his place be deserted; 
      let there be no one to dwell in it,'[b] and, 
   " 'May another take his place of leadership.'[c] 21Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."

 23So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

 

Footnotes:
  1. Acts 1:15 Greek brothers
  2. Acts 1:20 Psalm 69:25
  3. Acts 1:20 Psalm 109:8

 

The Promise of the Father (Acts 1:1-8)

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Acts 1:1-8 (New International Version)

 

Acts 1

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven
 1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

 6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

 7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

 

Footnotes:
  1. Acts 1:5 Or in

 

Heaven Now (Acts 1:1-8)

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Acts 1:1-8 (New International Version)

 

Acts 1

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven
 1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

 6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

 7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

 

Footnotes:
  1. Acts 1:5 Or in