Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”
Comment: You can imagine the excitement, wonder, questioning that went on between the disciples as they came back to Jerusalem after the Ascension to heaven of Jesus. There had been a central core of 12 making up the inner circle of Jesus’ team. Now there were only 11. About 120 of the committed followers of Jesus met and, whilst no doubt talking and discussing, wisely spending a lot of time in prayer. Peter obviously got to thinking about Judas and the gap which his departure, by betrayal and death, had left in the central core team. There were 12 tribes of Israel, there had been 12 in the inner team, so Peter starts to think who will take Judas’ place. Jesus had told them that they were to spread the news of Him throughout the whole world. I don’t think that they had much idea of what was expected of them but Peter is keen to get the number back to 12. And they were opting for one who had been with Jesus through out His years of Ministry.
Prayer: Your book tells us when we need wisdom to seek it from You. Teach me this lesson very well, O Father.
As I read it! 