On The Question of Matthias

[Fred]

Paul is not talking about Gentiles in this letter to Jewish Christians in Rome.
Nice try.

Concerning "grafted" in Romans 11:17 from Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament:
in these passages Paul likens the heathen who by becoming Christians have been admitted into fellowship with the people for whom the Messianic salvation is destined

G1461 - egkentrizō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (nasb95)

G1461 - ἐγκεντρίζω enkentrízō, eng-ken-trid'-zo; from and a derivative of ; to prick in, i.e. ingraft:—graff in(-to).

www.blueletterbible.org

Pitiful try on your part.

 

[Fred]

To believe that is to believe in Deicide for the New Covenant is the Holy Spirit and the Law (Old Covenant) is type and shadow of the Holy Spirit.
No Old Covenant to put in our inward parts no Holy Spirit to lean and guide us from within for the Kingdom of God is within.

The Old Covenant has been abrogated (Hebrews 8:13).
Get with the right (new) covenant.

 

[jeremiah1five]

The Old Covenant has been abrogated (Hebrews 8:13).
Get with the right (new) covenant.

Yes, the New Covenant God made with the House of Israel. That one?
Yes, there are no Gentiles mentioned at all in the Jeremiah Covenant description.
God saves Gentiles without covenant.
All Israel is saved through Covenant.
At the Marriage Supper the Bride and Church who is Israel are there by Covenant.
Gentile Christians are there by invitation.
Matt. 22.
God made no covenant with Gentiles in neither the Law, the Psalms, or the Prophets.

 

[Fred]

Yes, the New Covenant God made with the House of Israel. That one?

Gentiles were grafted in.

Gentile Christians are there by invitation.

Equal partners (Romans 10:12) both groups are "one" (Ephesians 2:14).

 

[jeremiah1five]

Gentiles were grafted in.


Equal partners (Romans 10:12) both groups are "one" (Ephesians 2:14).

God made no covenant with Gentiles or any Gentile and his seed.
Here, these are examples of a Covenant. Show me in the Jewish Scriptures God making any kind of Covenant with Gentiles.

Here. Here's a Covenant God made with covenant language:

11 And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. Gen. 9:11.

See that? That's a covenant with covenant language. Here's another:

7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
Gen. 17:6–7.

See that? That's a covenant with covenant language. Here's another:

8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words. Ex. 24:8.

See that? That's a covenant with covenant language. Here's another:

3 I have made a covenant with my chosen,
I have sworn unto David my servant,
4 Thy seed will I establish for ever,
And build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
Ps. 89:3–4.

See that? That's a covenant with covenant language. Here's another:

31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD,
That I will make a new covenant
With the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Jer. 31:31.

See that? That's a covenant with covenant language. In all these instances you see the language of covenant, God intending a covenant and actually making it, and Hebrews/Jews as recipient of the Covenant God makes with a certain people and that people are Hebrews/Jews and the children of Israel and David who is a Jew. And there's one more covenant. More like an anti-covenant. A direct command for Israel to make NO COVENANTS with anyone else except God and that's because as Bride of Christ, to make a covenant with anyone else besides their betrothed is adultery. And God is a jealous God.

31 And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.
32 Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. Ex. 23:31–32.

So, for you to say Gentiles that come to Christ are joined equally in covenant with the children of Israel is a lie. God forbids it. God commands against it. And Paul is surely, as apostle of Jesus Christ, NOT teaching it nor advocating it. So this means your interpretation of Saul/Paul's words are in error.

God made no covenant with Gentiles nor any Gentile and their seed, nor has God joined Jew and Gentile in any covenant at all.

THE WORD OF GOD.

Receive or reject. There is no medium.

 

[Fred]

The above post....what a mess.

When God made the New Covenant the Gentiles were included (Isaiah 42:6).

 

[Fred]

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 1:15–26.

Sounds pretty clear-cut. But it’s not. Being that Acts is a historical document of approximately the first 30 years of the origin of the New Covenant Jewish Church founded by Jews this historical manuscript documents what happened during the first 30 years of the Jewish Church and does not teach doctrine, rather, as any historical document in which people, places, and events are recorded it is up to the student, in this case, a biblical student to look into these things and to hold them up to the Scripture already revealed in the Old and New Covenant Scriptures to see where the Jewish Church got it right and where they got it wrong.

First, we have the command of Christ for His disciples to return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives where Jesus ascended up to heaven and this command is found in Luke 24:

49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Lk 24:49.

Strong’s [G#2523] another (active) form for [G#2516] (kathezomai); to seat down, i.e. set (figurative appoint); intransitive to sit (down); figurative to settle (hover, dwell.)

Jesus commands His disciples to return to Jerusalem and “wait” for the Promised Holy Spirit. From ascension to the Advent of the Holy Spirit is a window of ten days. But sometime before the Holy Spirit arrives Peter STOOD UP! In Jewish culture to teach one sits down. When one officiates a meeting one STANDS UP! Clearly Peter is already in disobedience.

Next is the following passage: (this is a gathering of 120 Jews)

16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

Question is: If Judas wasn’t alive at the time of David what is Peter referring to that David spake about Judas who wasn’t alive yet? There is no mention of a “Judas” anywhere in the First Covenant Scriptures. There is one person named in Scripture before he was born and that was King Cyrus who allowed Israel to return to their homeland. So, what is Peter’s Scripture?

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Strong’s: [G#2674] katarithmeo from [G#2596] (kata) and [G#705] (arithmeo); to reckon among.

This is where we get the word “arithmetic.” In vs. 17 it is a compound word. I’ll come back to this later.

19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

From crucifixion to ascension this word got around quickly the plans of the religious leaders and what they were going to do with the 30 pieces of silver Judas rejected.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Specifically, Psalms 69:25 “25 Let †their habitation be desolate; And let none dwell in their tents.”

This is a prophecy of the destruction of their Temple by the Romans about 40 years later. Bad grammar and interpretation by Peter taking a prophecy meant in plural for Israel and trying to make it fit singular for Judas. But that’s Peter leaning upon his own understanding in the vanity of his mind. Totally ‘in the flesh’ Peter tries to make Scripture fit Judas but fails. It is bad grammar to try to make an adjective into a noun and to make a plural into a singular.

21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

For a spiritual office Peter lays out a physical or natural qualification merely of witnessing Jesus’ baptism and resurrection. Besides this I find Peter doing what we all do when we seek God’s guidance. We offer God an “either” “or” not realizing that we don’t know God’s thoughts and His choice may be something else out of left field we never contemplated. Typical leaning on one’s own understanding.

24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

Really now, does Peter think God was going to follow his offering of two possibilities? And what does Peter mean “his own place?” Can’t be “hell” for there are no apostles of the Lord in “hell.” Jesus called Judas “Friend”, and neither are there any “Friends” of the Lord in “hell.” There is also one other person in all of Scripture called “Friend” and that is Abraham who was a Friend of God.

Still with the “either” “or” proposition.

Strong’s [G#651] “apostleship” apostolē from [G#649] (apostello); commission, i.e. (special) apostolate.

The word the KJV translators use is “apostleship” and it means “commission.” It derives from “apostolos” which means “sent.”

I agree Judas committed a transgression of the Law but I also see in Matthew 27:3-5 Judas understanding what his actions brought for “he saw” Jesus was “condemned” and he confessed his sin “I have betrayed innocent blood” and repented (changed his mind) and returned the money in hopes to buy back the life of Jesus. Actually, he rejected the money and threw it back at the priests in the Temple. He rejected the mammon. Now, what many who study Scripture fail to understand is what happen next. Judas recognizes his transgression that being complicit in the condemnation of an innocent man and his terrible understanding that under the Law if one is complicit in the condemnation of an innocent person, he must give life for life.

One of the religious leaders, possibly the high priest says, “What is that to us. See thou to that?” In other words, “What do we care, YOU handle it!” What these religious leaders should have done is what is prescribed in the Law, that is, death by stoning. But they tell Judas “See thou to that/YOU handle it!” He did. Judas went out and hanged himself in obedience to the Law prescribing Life for Life. Surely, it would have been better had he not been born. But God would have used someone else. So, Judas recognized his sin, he confessed his transgression, he repented and rejected the 30 pieces of silver, and went out and did the only thing left for him to do and hung himself in obedience to the Law of Moses of Life for Life. Looking back now knowing what we know about recognizing our sins before God and confessing them it is also part of salvation to repent of our sins, something Judas did as recorded in Matthew 27:3-5.

26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The Urim and Thummim (Lots) were stored in a pouch, sewn into the breastplate, which was placed directly over the priest's heart. They were put in this location to be a memorial before the Lord (Exodus 28:29). The Urim and Thummim were one of the main ways God conveyed his will to Israel (the others being dreams and prophets, see 1Samuel 28:6).

So, here’s Peter. He’s not a high priest and he’s using a mystical method to discern the LORD’S will. If he’d just do what the Lord commanded and wait for the Holy Spirit of Promise this would have turned out differently. But they’re at least one day away from the beginning of the New Covenant and Peter leads 119 disciples to appoint an apostle in the body of Christ and everything was new and they had no clue in what effect the New Covenant and Messiah would have on their covenants (Abraham, Moses, Davidic) until later and pretty much made attempts in hit and miss fashion. Mostly missed. Peter had no authority to cast the Lot as this was authorized and commanded for the high priest to use.

Strong’s [G#4785] synkatapsēphizomai from [G#4862] (sun) and a compound of [G#2596] (kata) and [G#5585] (psephizo); to count down in company with, i.e. enroll among.

This is a tri-compound word. It is completely different from the Greek word “numbered” in verse 15. It is used once and only here. So, what does this mean?

The Greek word “arithmeo” is found in:

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

In Scripture Judas is described as being among the twelve “katarithmeo.” But the word in Acts 1:26 means to be “with.” Jesus saying the hairs of our head are numbered He is describing all the hairs of our head “among” each other. But the word for Matthias means “with” and is like taking a hair from someone else’s head and adding it together with the hairs on your head. Judas is described by the Holy Spirit of being among the twelve, and Matthias as being with the eleven. A very big difference.

The conclusion of the matter is this event in Acts 1:15-26 are recorded as it happened and taking place before the Holy Spirit’s advent Peter was in the flesh, without guidance, and disobeying a clear command of the Lord to wait for they were ‘endued with the Holy Spirit of Promise.’ Peter makes erroneous use of the OT Scripture in Psalms and misapplies the prophecies about the destruction of the Temple to apply to Judas as well as trying to fit a singular into a plural in David’s prayers against his enemies. Peter also provides a physical or natural qualification for being an apostle of merely seeing with one’s eyes Jesus’ baptism and resurrection. Peter submits an “either” “or” to the Lord and uses Lots to discern the Lord’s will when it is reasonable to conclude that while Jesus was on the planet for 40 days speaking about things of the kingdom of God after His resurrection and before His ascension that if He wanted to replace Judas, He would have done it while He was still with His disciples. The Greek language concerning the word “numbered” also clues us in to understand that Judas was among the twelve but Matthias as being with the eleven.

What happened when Herod killed James in Acts 12. Who replaced James? And if the method Peter used in Acts 1:15-26 is the correct way why doesn’t the Protestant Gentile Church continue to choose their apostles in this way today? The Roman Catholic Church does it this way. Why doesn’t the Protestants? Why did it stop? The answer is that by the time Paul and maybe Apollos came on the scend it was learned that Peter was in error as Paul, whose words Peter agrees are Scripture, says:

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, 1 Cor. 12:24.

God baptizes a person into the Body of Christ when they are born again (saved) and in doing so places them in whatever body part He’s called them to. Peter has no authority to place let alone call anyone to be an apostle. My brother, Peter, bless his soul, was in complete error and disobedience in choosing Matthias to be an apostle to replace Judas. Christ builds His Church by adding, not replacing:

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Because of Peter’s disobedience the Gentile Church has been paying for his error ever since.

You dodged Acts 2:14.

 

[jeremiah1five]

The above post....what a mess.

When God made the New Covenant the Gentiles were included (Isaiah 42:6).

6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness,
And will hold thine hand, and will keep thee,
And give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
Is 42:6.

This is not a covenant. All it says is the God having covenant with the children of the House of Israel that through this covenant relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob Israel would be a light so Gentiles may SEE what they don't have and what Israel has with God.
Salvation is of the Jews.
There is nothing in the Jewish Scriptures that says, "Salvation is of the Gentiles."
You have an anti-semitic bent in your words.

 

[jeremiah1five]

You dodged Acts 2:14.

No, I didn't dodge.
I just dislike repeating myself.

 

[Fred]

6 I the LORD have called thee in righteousness,
And will hold thine hand, and will keep thee,
And give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;
Is 42:6.

This is not a covenant. All it says is the God having covenant with the children of the House of Israel that through this covenant relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob Israel would be a light so Gentiles may SEE what they don't have and what Israel has with God.
Salvation is of the Jews.

Except for the fact that it is repeated in Acts 13:47 in relation to the Gentiles becoming members of the New Covenant.

 

[Fred]

No, I didn't dodge.
I just dislike repeating myself.

Your evasions continue.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Except for the fact that it is repeated in Acts 13:47 in relation to the Gentiles becoming members of the New Covenant.

Acts 13:47 is NOT a covenant.

A covenant will look like this:

11 And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. Gen. 9:11.

Do you see the words "I will establish my covenant with you"?
THAT'S what a covenant looks like and Acts 13:47 has none of it.

Here's another covenant. Pay closer attention:

7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
Gen. 17:6–7.

See the covenant language of INTENT?

Here's another true covenant:

31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD,
That I will make a new covenant
With the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Jer. 31:31.

Do you see the covenant language?
This is what a Biblical Covenant looks like and Acts 13:47 is NOT a covenant.

ALL God's Covenants are with His elect people, those whose names are written in the book of life of the lamb slain from [before] the foundation (creation) of the world.
Now, stop embarrassing yourself with these silly attempts of being dishonest with the Scripture.
It is truly unbecoming a Christian, Fredrick.

 

[jeremiah1five]

Your evasions continue.

Look above. I repeated myself JUST FOR YOU because you either can't read, or your comprehension of what you read is defunct, or you just outright reject the Scripture so you can hold on to your pet theories. The Word of God is SUPPOSED to tell us what to believe once rightly divided, we are NOT SUPPOSED to tell the Scriptures what to say.
We must ALL see the same Jesus; we must ALL say the same thing as God.
To do otherwise is to OPPOSE Him.

 

[Fred]

Acts 13:47 is NOT a covenant.

It is part of the New Covenant.

It's great how just one sentence refutes your longwinded mess.

 

[Fred]

Look above. I repeated myself JUST FOR YOU because you either can't read, or your comprehension of what you read is defunct, or you just outright reject the Scripture so you can hold on to your pet theories. The Word of God is SUPPOSED to tell us what to believe once rightly divided, we are NOT SUPPOSED to tell the Scriptures what to say.

And Acts 2:14 coupled with Acts 2:37 teaches Matthias was an apostle in equality with the other eleven.

Simple.

BDAG (3rd Edition) affirms the same thing as does Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, as well as Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. The same holds true with Vine's.

But what do all the above know in comparison with your grandiose expertise, right?

Get real.

 

[jeremiah1five]

It is part of the New Covenant.

It's great how just one sentence refutes your longwinded mess.

Thanks, Alfred. I'll take that under advisement.
Yeah right.

 

[jeremiah1five]

And Acts 2:14 coupled with Acts 2:37 teaches Matthias was an apostle in equality with the other eleven.

Simple.

BDAG (3rd Edition) affirms the same thing as does Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, as well as Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. The same holds true with Vine's.

But what do all the above know in comparison with your grandiose expertise, right?

Get real.

Thanks for playing. There are no consolation prizes available for edited by moderator for inflammatory remark

 

[Fred]

Thanks for playing.

Sure.

 

[JD731]

The Psalms prophesy of Judas, the betrayer of Jesus.

Ps 41:5 Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
6 And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.
8 An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.
9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.
10 But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.
11 By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.
12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.

Psa 55:11 Wickedness is in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.
12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him:
13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.
15 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.
16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD.

Psa 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.
20 Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked [for some] to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
22 Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.
23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.
24 Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
25 Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.
26 For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.
27 Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness.
28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
29 But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.

There are several other psalms I could quote about those who conspired to put our Lord to death and how God sent them to hell.

So God tells us who he chose to replace Judas as the 12th apostle. The law of God requires two witnesses to establish truth and God commissioned both Paul and Barnabas, his companion on the mission field of the gentiles, at the same time and in the same church.

Ac 13:1 ! Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas (a prophet), and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

"Sent one" is the meaning of apostle.

Here is Luke, the author of the Acts, with an inspired pen calling Barnabas an apostle.

Ac 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,

There are only 12 apostles in the Jewish band, but there must be 12 because of this;

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

 

[civic]

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts 1:15–26.

Sounds pretty clear-cut. But it’s not. Being that Acts is a historical document of approximately the first 30 years of the origin of the New Covenant Jewish Church founded by Jews this historical manuscript documents what happened during the first 30 years of the Jewish Church and does not teach doctrine, rather, as any historical document in which people, places, and events are recorded it is up to the student, in this case, a biblical student to look into these things and to hold them up to the Scripture already revealed in the Old and New Covenant Scriptures to see where the Jewish Church got it right and where they got it wrong.

First, we have the command of Christ for His disciples to return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives where Jesus ascended up to heaven and this command is found in Luke 24:

49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Lk 24:49.

Strong’s [G#2523] another (active) form for [G#2516] (kathezomai); to seat down, i.e. set (figurative appoint); intransitive to sit (down); figurative to settle (hover, dwell.)

Jesus commands His disciples to return to Jerusalem and “wait” for the Promised Holy Spirit. From ascension to the Advent of the Holy Spirit is a window of ten days. But sometime before the Holy Spirit arrives Peter STOOD UP! In Jewish culture to teach one sits down. When one officiates a meeting one STANDS UP! Clearly Peter is already in disobedience.

Next is the following passage: (this is a gathering of 120 Jews)

16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

Question is: If Judas wasn’t alive at the time of David what is Peter referring to that David spake about Judas who wasn’t alive yet? There is no mention of a “Judas” anywhere in the First Covenant Scriptures. There is one person named in Scripture before he was born and that was King Cyrus who allowed Israel to return to their homeland. So, what is Peter’s Scripture?

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Strong’s: [G#2674] katarithmeo from [G#2596] (kata) and [G#705] (arithmeo); to reckon among.

This is where we get the word “arithmetic.” In vs. 17 it is a compound word. I’ll come back to this later.

19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

From crucifixion to ascension this word got around quickly the plans of the religious leaders and what they were going to do with the 30 pieces of silver Judas rejected.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Specifically, Psalms 69:25 “25 Let †their habitation be desolate; And let none dwell in their tents.”

This is a prophecy of the destruction of their Temple by the Romans about 40 years later. Bad grammar and interpretation by Peter taking a prophecy meant in plural for Israel and trying to make it fit singular for Judas. But that’s Peter leaning upon his own understanding in the vanity of his mind. Totally ‘in the flesh’ Peter tries to make Scripture fit Judas but fails. It is bad grammar to try to make an adjective into a noun and to make a plural into a singular.

21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

For a spiritual office Peter lays out a physical or natural qualification merely of witnessing Jesus’ baptism and resurrection. Besides this I find Peter doing what we all do when we seek God’s guidance. We offer God an “either” “or” not realizing that we don’t know God’s thoughts and His choice may be something else out of left field we never contemplated. Typical leaning on one’s own understanding.

24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

Really now, does Peter think God was going to follow his offering of two possibilities? And what does Peter mean “his own place?” Can’t be “hell” for there are no apostles of the Lord in “hell.” Jesus called Judas “Friend”, and neither are there any “Friends” of the Lord in “hell.” There is also one other person in all of Scripture called “Friend” and that is Abraham who was a Friend of God.

Still with the “either” “or” proposition.

Strong’s [G#651] “apostleship” apostolē from [G#649] (apostello); commission, i.e. (special) apostolate.

The word the KJV translators use is “apostleship” and it means “commission.” It derives from “apostolos” which means “sent.”

I agree Judas committed a transgression of the Law but I also see in Matthew 27:3-5 Judas understanding what his actions brought for “he saw” Jesus was “condemned” and he confessed his sin “I have betrayed innocent blood” and repented (changed his mind) and returned the money in hopes to buy back the life of Jesus. Actually, he rejected the money and threw it back at the priests in the Temple. He rejected the mammon. Now, what many who study Scripture fail to understand is what happen next. Judas recognizes his transgression that being complicit in the condemnation of an innocent man and his terrible understanding that under the Law if one is complicit in the condemnation of an innocent person, he must give life for life.

One of the religious leaders, possibly the high priest says, “What is that to us. See thou to that?” In other words, “What do we care, YOU handle it!” What these religious leaders should have done is what is prescribed in the Law, that is, death by stoning. But they tell Judas “See thou to that/YOU handle it!” He did. Judas went out and hanged himself in obedience to the Law prescribing Life for Life. Surely, it would have been better had he not been born. But God would have used someone else. So, Judas recognized his sin, he confessed his transgression, he repented and rejected the 30 pieces of silver, and went out and did the only thing left for him to do and hung himself in obedience to the Law of Moses of Life for Life. Looking back now knowing what we know about recognizing our sins before God and confessing them it is also part of salvation to repent of our sins, something Judas did as recorded in Matthew 27:3-5.

26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The Urim and Thummim (Lots) were stored in a pouch, sewn into the breastplate, which was placed directly over the priest's heart. They were put in this location to be a memorial before the Lord (Exodus 28:29). The Urim and Thummim were one of the main ways God conveyed his will to Israel (the others being dreams and prophets, see 1Samuel 28:6).

So, here’s Peter. He’s not a high priest and he’s using a mystical method to discern the LORD’S will. If he’d just do what the Lord commanded and wait for the Holy Spirit of Promise this would have turned out differently. But they’re at least one day away from the beginning of the New Covenant and Peter leads 119 disciples to appoint an apostle in the body of Christ and everything was new and they had no clue in what effect the New Covenant and Messiah would have on their covenants (Abraham, Moses, Davidic) until later and pretty much made attempts in hit and miss fashion. Mostly missed. Peter had no authority to cast the Lot as this was authorized and commanded for the high priest to use.

Strong’s [G#4785] synkatapsēphizomai from [G#4862] (sun) and a compound of [G#2596] (kata) and [G#5585] (psephizo); to count down in company with, i.e. enroll among.

This is a tri-compound word. It is completely different from the Greek word “numbered” in verse 15. It is used once and only here. So, what does this mean?

The Greek word “arithmeo” is found in:

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

In Scripture Judas is described as being among the twelve “katarithmeo.” But the word in Acts 1:26 means to be “with.” Jesus saying the hairs of our head are numbered He is describing all the hairs of our head “among” each other. But the word for Matthias means “with” and is like taking a hair from someone else’s head and adding it together with the hairs on your head. Judas is described by the Holy Spirit of being among the twelve, and Matthias as being with the eleven. A very big difference.

The conclusion of the matter is this event in Acts 1:15-26 are recorded as it happened and taking place before the Holy Spirit’s advent Peter was in the flesh, without guidance, and disobeying a clear command of the Lord to wait for they were ‘endued with the Holy Spirit of Promise.’ Peter makes erroneous use of the OT Scripture in Psalms and misapplies the prophecies about the destruction of the Temple to apply to Judas as well as trying to fit a singular into a plural in David’s prayers against his enemies. Peter also provides a physical or natural qualification for being an apostle of merely seeing with one’s eyes Jesus’ baptism and resurrection. Peter submits an “either” “or” to the Lord and uses Lots to discern the Lord’s will when it is reasonable to conclude that while Jesus was on the planet for 40 days speaking about things of the kingdom of God after His resurrection and before His ascension that if He wanted to replace Judas, He would have done it while He was still with His disciples. The Greek language concerning the word “numbered” also clues us in to understand that Judas was among the twelve but Matthias as being with the eleven.

What happened when Herod killed James in Acts 12. Who replaced James? And if the method Peter used in Acts 1:15-26 is the correct way why doesn’t the Protestant Gentile Church continue to choose their apostles in this way today? The Roman Catholic Church does it this way. Why doesn’t the Protestants? Why did it stop? The answer is that by the time Paul and maybe Apollos came on the scend it was learned that Peter was in error as Paul, whose words Peter agrees are Scripture, says:

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, 1 Cor. 12:24.

God baptizes a person into the Body of Christ when they are born again (saved) and in doing so places them in whatever body part He’s called them to. Peter has no authority to place let alone call anyone to be an apostle. My brother, Peter, bless his soul, was in complete error and disobedience in choosing Matthias to be an apostle to replace Judas. Christ builds His Church by adding, not replacing:

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Because of Peter’s disobedience the Gentile Church has been paying for his error ever since.

Some good food for thought