Acts 1:16

Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

Men {G435} and brethren {G80}, this {G5026} scripture {G1124} must {G1163} needs have been fulfilled {G4137}, which {G3739} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} by {G1223} the mouth {G4750} of David {G1138} spake before {G4277} concerning {G4012} Judas {G2455}, which {G3588} was {G1096} guide {G3595} to them that took {G4815} Jesus {G2424}.

“Brothers, the Ruach HaKodesh spoke in advance through David about Y’hudah, and these words of the Tanakh had to be fulfilled. He was guide for those who arrested Yeshua —

“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.

Brethren, it was needful that the scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to them that took Jesus.

Commentary

In Acts 1:16, the Apostle Peter addresses the assembly of believers, approximately 120 disciples gathered after Jesus' ascension but before the day of Pentecost. He introduces the crucial topic of Judas Iscariot's betrayal and subsequent demise, emphasizing that these events were not random but were a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Context

This verse is part of Peter's first recorded speech in the Book of Acts, delivered as the apostles and disciples are waiting in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4). The immediate purpose of his address is to explain the necessity of replacing Judas among the twelve apostles, setting the stage for the selection of Matthias. Peter's words highlight the early church's commitment to the authority of Scripture and the understanding that even tragic events serve God's overarching plan.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Peter asserts that Judas's actions and fate were foretold in the Scriptures, specifically attributing the prophecy to "the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David." This underscores the divine inspiration and predictive power of the Old Testament. The specific psalms Peter refers to are likely Psalm 69:25 ("Let their habitation be desolate") and Psalm 109:8 ("Let another take his office"), which he explicitly quotes in Acts 1:20.
  • Divine Sovereignty: The phrase "must needs have been fulfilled" (Greek: edei plērothein) conveys a sense of divine necessity. It signifies that Judas's actions, though he acted of his own free will, ultimately served to accomplish God's predetermined plan. This doesn't absolve Judas of his guilt but highlights God's ability to work His purposes even through human sin and betrayal.
  • Judas's Role: Judas is identified as the one "which was guide to them that took Jesus." This simple phrase concisely describes his pivotal and infamous role in the betrayal of Christ, leading the temple guard to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:2-5).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "must needs have been fulfilled" comes from the Greek edei plērothein (ἔδει πληρωθῆναι). Edei is an imperfect indicative of dei, meaning "it is necessary" or "it ought." This conveys a strong sense of divine compulsion or inevitability, indicating that the unfolding of events was not accidental but part of God's sovereign design. The verb plērothein means "to be fulfilled" or "to be completed," emphasizing the precise and accurate realization of prophecy.

Practical Application

This verse offers comfort and assurance to believers: God's plan is sovereign and immutable. Even in the face of betrayal, evil, or unforeseen circumstances, God remains in control, and His purposes will ultimately prevail. It encourages us to trust in God's overarching design, knowing that His Word is true and His prophecies are certain to be fulfilled. It also reminds us of the serious consequences of rejecting God's will, as seen in Judas's tragic end (Acts 1:18).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 41:9 (108 votes)

    Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.

  • John 13:18 (50 votes)

    I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.

  • Psalms 55:12 (43 votes)

    For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him:

  • Psalms 55:15 (43 votes)

    Let death seize upon them, [and] let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness [is] in their dwellings, [and] among them.

  • Acts 1:20 (10 votes)

    For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

  • John 12:38 (9 votes)

    That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

  • John 12:40 (9 votes)

    He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with [their] eyes, nor understand with [their] heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.