1. THE WAITING DISCIPLES.

Acts 1:12-15.

(12) Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey off. (13) And when they were come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding; both 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 (or, brother) of James. (14) These all with one accord continued stedfastly in prayer, with the women (or, with certain women), and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

(15) And in these days Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, and said [and there was a multitude of persons (Gr. names) gathered together, about a hundred and twenty].

The disciples received the rebuke, believed the message of the angels, and departed to Jerusalem to wait for the promise of the Father. Their sorrow in parting from the Lord was turned to joy, because they believed they would meet Him again. The disciples were now in the upper room, and we are informed, in Luke's Gospel (24:53), that at times during this period of ten days they were also in the temple, praising and blessing God.

The right kind of waiting will always bring the right kind of results. Those who continue with one accord in prayer and supplication find that the book most helpful and inspiring is God's Book. Men and women must daily hear God's voice speaking to them through His Word, to prepare them for prayers and supplications that reach the Throne of God, and 'by so doing receive His blessing.

A catalogue of the disciples' names is once more given, and the names of a few other persons, in order that we may know who had the honor and the privilege of being present at the giving of the Spirit. Jesus' own brethren are mentioned, who at one time opposed His work. Their presence showed that they had changed their attitude and were now among the believers. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was present with other women. This is the last time her name appears in the New Testament. She, with the rest of the women, was with the disciples, waiting for the promise of the Father. So, when the Holy Spirit was given, she too was baptized by the " One Spirit " into the " One Body." The disciples believed that, at the close of the ten days, the Holy Spirit would come and personally manifest His presence. No matter what the training may be, the disciples now should have stated times for Bible study, prayer and supplication for a baptism of the Holy Spirit. We do not pray as they did before Pentecost for the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit, but we pray that He may equip us for soul-saving.

QUESTIONS.

• How far from Mount Olivet to Jerusalem? 12.

• Where did the disciples go?

• Give the names of the Apostles. 13.

• Name the women, and tell who they were. 14, cf. Luke 23:49-55.

• What was the real purpose of this meeting? Give number that attended this meeting.

2. FULFILLMENT OF SCRIPTURE.

Acts 1:16-20.

(16) Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas who was guide to them that took Jesus. (17) For he was numbered among us, and received his portion (or, lot) in this ministry. (18) (Now this man obtained a field with the reward of his iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. (19) And it became known to all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch that in their language that field was called Akeldama, that is, The field of blood.) (20) For it is written in the book of Psalms, (Psa. 69:25) Let his habitation be made desolate, And let no man dwell therein: and, (Psa. 109:8) His office (Gr. overseership) let another take.

The number of the disciples present at this time was one hundred and twenty. Sometime during the ten days the Apostle Peter presented to the believers an account of the fate of Judas. Matthew gives an account of the sad fate of Judas. Luke gives us some additional information not given by Matthew. A careful study will show that there is no discrepancy between the two accounts. Matthew says Judas hanged himself. Luke says he fell headlong and burst asunder. If he hanged himself he was either taken down, or he fell, and Luke says he fell. The Psalmist makes prophetic utterance concerning the destiny of the unfaithful one, and God never forgets to fulfill any prophetic utterances made under His direction.

QUESTIONS.

• Who guided David in giving "his message to the people?

• Who was guide to them that took Jesus? 16, cf. Luke 22:47.

• Who foretold of this sin and when? Psa. 41:9.

• Was the field bought before or after the death of Judas?

• Why called "the field of blood"?

3. THE APOSTLE CHOSEN.

Acts 1:21-26.

(21) Of the men therefore that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us, (22) beginning from the baptism of John, unto the day that he was received up from us, of these must one become a witness with us of his resurrection. (23) And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. (24) And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show of these two the one whom thou hast chosen, (25) to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place. (26) And they gave lots for them; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Peter suggests to the disciples the selection of a man to fill the place of Judas. The person eligible must have the following qualifications: He must have been a witness of all that Christ said and did in His earthly ministry, and especially that of His resurrection. Only two can be found with said qualifications, Barsabbas and Matthias. One is to be selected to fill the place. A decision must be made. They have a prayer meeting. They ask for just one definite thing, " Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show of these two the one whom Thou hast chosen." They want to know Jesus' choice (not their own), and Matthias is chosen. Thus it was not Peter or the unorganized church that gave Matthias his place as an Apostle, but the Lord. The vacancy has been filled, and we have twelve Apostles, who are represented to sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. All is in readiness now for the great day, which is described in the next chapter.

QUESTIONS.

• Why was it necessary to fill the vacancy?

• What qualifications were prescribed, and why? 21, 22.

• Who really chose the Apostle?

• Name the Apostles with the one just appointed.

• Why was the choice of the Apostles limited to two?