Acts 1:12-26 KJV (12) Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. (13) And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. (14) These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (15) And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) (16) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. (17) For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. (18) Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. (19) And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. (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. (21) Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, (22) Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. (23) And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. (24) And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, (25) That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. (26) And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Does one every slow down long enough to examine Bible scripture. After the appearance of Jesus after the resurrection in the upper room there was only about 120. What happen to the five hundred that seen Jesus after His death and resurrection one might wonder. Yet scripture only speaks a little about the number of believers. Yet in the upper room the disciples only counted 120 people including the women. Women were including in this meeting. Decisions were being made the day on the outcome of who would take apostleship in place of Judas. Peter would speak also of the past scripture of declaration of Judas death and betrayal. The choosing of the new apostle would take place. In other words the core group of believers that had been with Christ ministry were make group decisions. It did not mean there were not other believers. Yet these in leadership would be speaking out to the world very soon. When God calls people to speak they either stand up speak or run like Jonah. Yet even with their running like Jonah people fall on their knees.

God uses people that is true, but he prefers them willingly to take up their cross and follow in the footsteps of Jesus then to sit back and act like the devil, for God uses evil to show His power and his grace. Leadership of a new group. The choosing of their leadership to continue on the ministry and to share from the ministry. Judas had kept the money bag and anything the disciples had needed of the core group of twelve this money was used to help them. It makes sense to have money in ministry. It makes sense to use currency of the modern age. Even Jesus gave to Caesar what was Caesar’s. Yet what more interesting here is the number that day was a small crowd, making decisions to teach and preach as instructed by Christ Himself to go into the whole world and preach and teach the Gospel and to observe all things Jesus had commanded them too. What things did Christ observe in his ministry, the religious feast. The things that had nothing to do with idol worship like weddings.

Jesus taught many things but he did not teach one to shun the outside world from knowing God. He did not each the disciples to not witness to others, but only to share the news of repentance. To pray for the lost. To proclaim the Gospel about the Father the Son and The Holy Ghost. Peter first speech to the group would be about the Holy Spirit who spoke about Judas betrayal by the mouth of King David in Psalms 69:25 and 109:8-15. If nothing more of the reminder of the Holy Spirit speaking of Judas betrayal, but also his death to comfort the disciples in their sorrow and anger of what Judas had done. Yet something more occurs the knowledge about the Holy Spirit is given once more to the disciples of Jesus before the day of Pentecost, perhaps for them to know when they prophesied it would not always be good news. After all two with held from the temple and destruction came to the couple that had promised to give the amount of money that got from the land to the temple in Acts 5. What a minister speaks can be good or bad.

The gift of the Holy Spirit being real even when Christ walked the earth, for the disciples would demonstrate the power of healing has well as Christ. Christ used his disciples has hand extended in His ministry while on earth and continues to do so today while He is Heaven. Yet the disciples needed restoration of the Comforter for the work of the ministry to be fulfilled. God anoints for salvation by sealing us with His Spirit but He anoints us for ministry to do His work. Let us not forget the first change of the power of the Holy Spirit by salvation. Let us not forget the power of God to move across a nation through the words of the prophets and disciples of Jesus.

Dear Heavenly Father help us to move in faith according to your call and election. Yet also allow us not to stand idle, but to speak the Gospel by your Spirit. In Jesus precious name, Amen.