Acts 1:15-26 – The Unfrustratable King

Christ never trusted Judas because He knew who was to betray Him. When Psalm 41:9 is referred to in John 13:18, the words “in whom I trusted” are not applied. David may have been deceived by Ahithophel, but Christ was never deceived by Judas Iscariot. But Judas didn’t find Jesus to be the kind of Messiah he wanted, one who would vindicate Israel as righteous and conquer their enemies. Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. So Judas’ resentment grew and when he had done Satan’s work, he despaired and committed suicide. Judas is a reminder that the Lord looks on the heart, and the Lord is never fooled (Psalm 1:5). Still, a replacement was needed.

Christ, the king, was caring for His church. Psalm 109:8 must be fulfilled. Christ’s required qualifications were given (vs.21-22) and appeal was made to Him (v.24). They cast lots because Scripture was not yet complete, and the Lord used such extraordinary means to reveal His will, but the scaffolding is not needed once the building is complete. The Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Christ, was glorified as it should be with the appointment of office-bearers now, even when we don’t have Apostles.