SEIZING THE DAY #2 Acts (1:12-26)

introduction Review of last week We are people who live in hope – based on the promises of God Real promises – not fabricated ones The lives of the disciples filled with hope after 40 days of instruction concerning the Kingdom of God

I live with a powerful new hope because … … because Jesus has begun his rule of God’s Kingdom … because my life purpose is expressed in God’s Kingdom … because my life is empowered for God’s Kingdom

The Narrative 12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. Sabbath Day’s walk approx 1 km. If on a journey, walk to the nearest tree or wall and rest there, declaring that to be his sabbath rest. Explaining to audience the geography of Jerusalem to Mount of Olives. Mount of Olives. The location of the ascension of Jesus. Also the location of the Mount of Olives Discourse. Destruction of the Temple – the temple is fulfilled in Jesus.

The Narrative 12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. Upper room. same room as the Last Supper? In 11 disciples were staying there. Why? (1) (Acts 1:4) “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. (2) Keeping inconspicuous.

The Narrative 12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. Why recount the Zealot when other occupations not recounted? Reminder the KG is no longer the type that the world engages in.

The Narrative 12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. Aka Thaddeus. Some places avoid Judas so as not to confuse with the betrayer. Here there can be no confusion.

The Narrative 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Praying. (1) Joined in prayer—no longer disputing (2) constant in prayer. More later.

The Narrative 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Note: women praying (unlike the situation in 1 Corinthians) Mary. She was praying, not prayed to.

The Narrative 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Half-Brothers of Jesus: James, Joses (Joseph), Judas, Simon. They are now all converted. Earliest tradition (Tertullian) tells us they are the children of Mary and Joseph, not Joseph’s children from a prior marriage as RC argue to defend perpetual virginity of Mary.

The Narrative 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” Peter. The recognized leader 120. All gathered there? Maybe. If not, a group meeting nonetheless.

The Narrative 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” Judas’ betrayal was within God’s plan. Divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

The narrative 18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) Note: this is in parenthesis. The prophecy about Judas is not complete. Judas tried to return the money, but the chief priests would not take it – it’s blood money Hung himself at a cliff over the Potter’s field in the Hinnom Valley. After death, the rope broke or it cut. The bloated body burst open. The place is renamed the Field of Blood. Regret that is not redemptive.

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

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

The narrative 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,” and “May another take his place of leadership.” Judas is disqualified and his place of leadership will be replaced by someone else Only disciple replaced. There is no succession. James died, not replaced. 24 elders in Revelation: 12 +12. No replacement of Peter, no succession, no pope, no vicar of Christ

The narrative 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning 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.” This person is chosen to be a witness of the resurrection so there will be 12 witnesses The time is demarcated as from baptism to ascension.

The narrative 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. Lots. Not sure how it was done. Not vote: the choice of man. Qualifications apparent. People appointed to office. We make concession for our present age, but can reconsider how we choose leaders: by prayer and lot. The decision is final (not like the Brexit vote). Appointment is for life. It’s a life-calling. E.g. Pastors who are called serve till they die – even when no longer employed as pastors.

The narrative 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. Very little known about his ministry as apostle. Traditions: Judea – Colchis (modern Georgia) Ethiophia – city of man-eaters Returned to Jerusalem. Stoned and beheaded. Possibly Zacchaeus.

Matthias Clement of Alexandria (150-215) "So Zacchaeus, whom they call Matthias, the chief tax collector, when he had heard that the Lord had esteemed him highly enough to be with Him, said, 'Behold, half of my present possessions I give as alms, and Lord, if I ever extorted money from anyone in any way, I return it fourfold.' At this, the Saviour said, 'When the Son of Man came today, he found that which was lost'" (Stromata 4.6.35.2). If true, quite remarkable. Zacchaeus witnessed even the baptism of Jesus. It was not a sudden conversion. After he made amends for his wrongs, he had no more money left. He was, however, chosen to be an apostle – a dwarf! In OT allowed into the temple! It’s not what you are on the outside

10 days between ascension and Pentecost when the disciples will burst on the world scene. What happened during these 10 days was determined by the disciples – Pentcost was determined by God. 4 Lessons The human end of what turned to world right side up

1. We seize the day to wait They disciples were told to wait in a hostile city, but obeyed. Waiting for God’s timing – like an ambush – it’s strategic Waiting is a time for heart preparation for a great work Waiting usually involves the shortest possible time

2. We seize the day to pray The disciples were continually praying those 10 days. Big change from earlier Content of prayer? 1) Kingdom; (2) Personal holiness; (3) Courage; (4) Understanding; (5) Commitment in the face of sacrifice; (6) Family; (7) Friends; (8) Enemies; (9) Their roles as witnesses

3. We seize the day to organize The true kingdom of God needs to present itself complete to the world – 12 witnesses Getting organization in place is necessary work Total human responsibility on nominating the 12th witness Casting lots. Dependence on God when it is beyond human ability. What is beyond human ability is beyond human responsibility.

4. We seize the day to build community They will soon be sent to various parts – these are their last days as a band of disciples Practice “love one another as I have loved you …” Mutual recollection of the teachings of Jesus The foundation for the community of Acts 2

Conclusion As a community, we are at the cusp of something significant because we have answered the call to make disciples We do not know exactly how the Lord will lead, but he will Wait, Pray, Organize, Build Community You are part of this great work. 120 for the world? 60 for Singapore?