(a) Describe the election of a successor to Judas Iscariot. (b) What two lessons can we learn from this incident ?

Answer Details

(a) The election of a successor to Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26)

In the days between the ascension and Pentecost, about one hundred and twenty believers gathered together in Jerusalem. Peter stood up among them and explained that the Scripture had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who had guided those who arrested Jesus. Judas had bought a field with the reward of his wickedness and there met a terrible end; the field was called Akeldama, the Field of Blood. Peter cited the Psalms: "Let his habitation be desolate" and "Let another take his office (bishopric)."

Peter then set out the qualification for the replacement: he must be one of the men who had accompanied them all the time the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, from the baptism of John until the day Jesus was taken up, so as to be a witness of the resurrection. Two men met this condition: Joseph called Barsabas (surnamed Justus) and Matthias.

The believers then prayed, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell." They cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, who was numbered with the eleven apostles, restoring the number to twelve.

(b) Two lessons from this incident

1. Seeking God's guidance in decisions: the church prayed and sought God's will before choosing a leader, teaching us to depend on God in appointments and important decisions.
2. Leadership carries qualifications and accountability: a leader must have genuine experience and integrity, and unfaithfulness (as with Judas) leads to loss of position and honour.