Acts 1:17

for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” Acts 1:17

The words concerning Judas continue in this verse. It was he who the previous verse said, “became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.” Of him, Peter continues, saying, “for he was numbered with us.”

Peter uses a word found only here in Scripture, katarithmeó. It signifies “to reckon with.” It is a compound word coming from kata, or “according to,” and arithmeó, “to count.” As such, Judas was truly reckoned among the apostles. As such, someone must take his place to fill the void that has arisen. Being numbered among them, Peter says, “and obtained a part in this ministry.”

There is a play on words here that will give a hint as to what is coming in the verses ahead. It literally reads, “and was allotted the lot.” It isn’t that Jesus cast lots to determine who would be His apostles. Rather, the words of the gospels were clear –

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.” Luke 6:12-16

Jesus “chose twelve.” However, in using the words “allotted the lot,” the implication is that the apostles were decided upon in a manner as authoritative as the lot itself. Hence, it is a subtle note of the deity of Christ, as can be inferred from the Proverbs –

“The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33

As Christ chose His apostles, and as Judas was “allotted the lot,” it signifies that Christ’s decision stands as a decision from the Lord.

Life application: In 2 Peter 1:1, the final use of the verb lagchanó, or “to obtain by lot,” is used. There, he says –

“Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:”

The way one obtains (is allotted) the like precious faith of righteousness is to be counted as such. And the way that occurs is by being a part of the lot designated by the Lord. In other words, the Lord has provided a set measure by which man participates in His goodness. That measure is the perfection of Christ. Apart from that, man cannot participate in Him.

We can have faith in many things, but that does not necessarily signify a faith unto salvation. Where are you placing your hope? For us today, there is one source of knowing who Jesus is. That is found in Scripture. To reject the Christ revealed in Scripture is to reject the only path to salvation as revealed in Scripture.

What are you doing in church? If it is not pursuing God through the Bible, and as He has only specifically revealed Himself there, then without knowing if you are right or not, you are following whatever version of “God” (or “god”) the pastor or preacher presents to you. Is that wise?

Be wise and discerning by being well-read in this marvelous treasure from God. Know this word and be informed about Him so that you are not led down unhappy trails of unsound doctrine.

Lord God, Your word itself says that it is a light to our path and a lamp to our feet. If this is so, then help us to be wise and let that light shine upon the path of our lives. May the way be illuminated with the knowledge of Your word so that our feet stay on the path that is right and proper. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.