12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women
and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Jesus' brothers were now among the believers. They didn't believe He was the messiah during His life, but after His resurrection they are now part of the group.
15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)16 and said, "Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry."
18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Eww! 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language
Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) Other accounts say Judas hung himself. Don't let different accounts give you the idea that the Bible is not true. It is like any account of events by people, but God has inspired and orchestrated these accounts to communicate His Love and Truth. The Devil would have us get hung up on details of irrelevant fact. Let the Lord speak to your heart through the study of His word.
20 "For," said Peter, "it is written in the Book of Psalms:
"'May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,'[e]
and,
"'May another take his place of leadership.'[f]
21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."
23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
The Life Application Bible describes this as the first church meeting. Now up to 120 believers waiting for the promised "Helper" (Holy Spirit) to come by praying and organizing the body of believers.
