¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.^[a]

Matthias Is Chosen

¹³ When they entered the city, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying. Peter and John were there, also James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. ¹⁴ All of them kept praying together with one mind, along with the women, with Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

¹⁵ In those days, when the group there numbered about 120 people, Peter stood up among the brothers^[b] and said, ¹⁶ “Gentlemen,^[c] brothers, the Scripture^[d] had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David about Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. ¹⁷ Judas was counted as one of us and was given a share in this ministry.

¹⁸ “Now this man acquired a field with what he was paid for his wicked act. When he fell headfirst, his middle burst open, and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹ This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, and so in their own language that field was called Akeldema, which means Field of Blood. ²⁰ Indeed, it is written in the book of Psalms:

And,

²¹ “Therefore it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us during the entire time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²² beginning from his baptism by John until the day Jesus was taken up from us, become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

²³ They proposed two: Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called 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 the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”^[g]

²⁶ Then they assigned lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was counted with the eleven apostles.^[h]

Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer

17 After Jesus had spoken these things, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you. ² For you gave him authority over all flesh, so that he may give eternal life to all those you have given him. ³ This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent. ⁴ I have glorified you on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. ⁵ Now, Father, glorify me at your own side with the glory I had at your side before the world existed.

Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer

⁶ “I revealed your name to the men you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me, and they have held on to your word. ⁷ Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. ⁸ For I gave them the words you gave me, and they received them. They learned the truth that I came from you. They believed that you sent me.

⁹ “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, because they are yours. ¹⁰ All that is mine is yours, and what is yours is mine. And I am glorified in them. ¹¹ I am no longer going to be in the world, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by your name, which you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.

Sharing in the Sufferings of Christ

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised by the fiery trial that is happening among you to test you, as if something strange were happening to you. ¹³ Instead rejoice whenever you are sharing in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

¹⁴ If you are insulted in connection with the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[a] and of God rests on you.^{[b] 15} Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or as a meddler. ¹⁶ But if you suffer for being a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God in connection with this name.^{[c] 17} For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. Now if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who disobey the gospel of God?

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under God’s powerful hand so that he may lift you up at the appointed time.^{[a] 7} Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. ⁸ Have sound judgment. Be alert. Your adversary,^[b] the Devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him by being firm in the faith. You know that the same kinds of sufferings are being laid on your brotherhood^[c] all over the world.

¹⁰ After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you. ¹¹ To him be the glory and^[d] the power forever and ever. Amen.