Acts 1:20 Meaning and Explanation

It is written in the book of Psalms: Peter grounds the choice to replace Judas in Old Testament prophecy. Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein—the place of Judas is left empty, desolate, abandoned. His bishoprick, his office, his apostolic seat, let another take. This is not spite or rejection of Judas as a person, but the recognition that the apostolic office continues. Judas is gone; his role in God's plan is not. There will be twelve again, not ten or eleven, but the full number, because the twelve represent the twelve tribes of Israel, the fullness of God's people.

The apostolic office is not personal property but a trust. It belonged to Judas, but his betrayal severed him from it. Now it must be filled. This is an important principle: in the community of faith, no one is indispensable, yet the work of the kingdom continues. Judas may fall, but God's purpose is not thwarted. Another will stand in his place. We too are temporary stewards of whatever roles and gifts we hold; our task is to be faithful and, if we fall, to trust that God will raise up others to continue his work.