Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

¹² Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem^(A) from the hill called the Mount of Olives,^(B) a Sabbath day’s walk^[a] from the city. ¹³ When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room^(C) 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.^{(D) 14} They all joined together constantly in prayer,^(E) along with the women^(F) and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.^(G)

¹⁵ In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) ¹⁶ and said, “Brothers and sisters,^[b](H) the Scripture had to be fulfilled^(I) in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas,^(J) who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. ¹⁷ He was one of our number^(K) and shared in our ministry.”^(L)

¹⁸ (With the payment^(M) he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field;^(N) there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹ Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language^(O) Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰ “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

and,

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^(R) to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness^(S) with us of his resurrection.”

²³ So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴ Then they prayed,^(T) “Lord, you know everyone’s heart.^(U) Show us^(V) 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.^(W)

Psalm 68^[a]

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm. A song.

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice^(B) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(C) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^{(D) 14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(E) you are blessed,^(F) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^{(G) 17} For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household;^(H) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?^{(I) 18} And,

¹⁹ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will^(K) should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.^{(A) 7} Cast all your anxiety on him^(B) because he cares for you.^(C)

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind.^(D) Your enemy the devil prowls around^(E) like a roaring lion^(F) looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him,^(G) standing firm in the faith,^(H) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.^(I)

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you^(J) to his eternal glory^(K) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,^(L) will himself restore you and make you strong,^(M) firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(N)

Jesus Prays to Be Glorified

17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven^(A) and prayed:

Jesus Prays for His Disciples