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.”

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

Old Testament Reference:The verse begins by saying, “For it is written in the book of Psalms.” Peter is referring to a passage from Psalm 69:25. This practice of citing the Old Testament to support teachings or events was common among the early Christians.

The Desolation of Judas’ Habitation: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 Replacement of Judas’ Bishoprick: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.

The Appointment of Matthias:Following this verse, the apostles proceed to select Matthias as the one to replace Judas. In Acts 1:26, Matthias is chosen by casting lots, and he is numbered among the twelve apostles.

• 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.