Acts 1:20

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.

Acts 1:20 (KJV)

Context

Acts 1:20 is part of a larger passage where the apostle Peter addresses the believers gathered together after the ascension of Jesus. In this passage, Peter speaks about the replacement of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus and subsequently died.

Peter begins by saying, “For it is written in the book of Psalms.” He is referring to passages from Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8. This practice of citing the Old Testament to support teachings or events was common among the early Christians.

Meaning

The verse quotes a portion of Psalm 69:25 which says, “Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein.” This is a prophetic passage from the Psalms that speaks about the fate of the wicked. Peter applies this passage to Judas Iscariot, highlighting the consequences of his betrayal of Jesus. The phrase “habitation be desolate” suggests that Judas’ dwelling place should be abandoned or left uninhabited.

The verse continues by saying, “and his bishoprick let another take.” The term “bishoprick” refers to the position of apostleship or the apostolic office. Peter is emphasizing the need to fill the vacancy left by Judas with another apostle who would take on the responsibilities and role of apostleship.

Biblical connections

Peter’s use of these Psalms indicates that the events surrounding Judas were not random but were part of God’s sovereign plan, as revealed in Scripture. The verse establishes a biblical precedent for the early church’s action of selecting a new apostle to maintain the witness to Jesus’ resurrection.

Application

The verse serves as a reminder that actions have consequences. Judas’ betrayal of Jesus led to his own downfall and serves as a cautionary tale. Furthermore, the selection of Matthias underscores the importance of leadership and the need to have qualified individuals fill significant roles in the ministry. God’s Word guides the church’s decisions, and leadership positions in the church are to be filled according to biblical principles.