Acts 1:17

KJV

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} he was {G2258} numbered {G2674} with {G4862} us {G2254}, and {G2532} had obtained {G2975} part {G2819} of this {G5026} ministry {G1248}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he was one of us and had been assigned a part in our work.”

Berean Standard Bible

He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”

American Standard Version

For he was numbered among us, and received his portion in this ministry.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 1:17, Peter addresses the gathering of disciples following Jesus' ascension, explaining the status of Judas Iscariot. This verse underscores Judas's former, full inclusion among the twelve apostles and his active participation in their shared ministry, setting the stage for the necessity of his replacement to fulfill prophetic Scripture and restore the apostolic number.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 1:17 is embedded within Peter's significant speech to approximately 120 disciples in the upper room, recorded in [Acts 1:15-26](/acts/1-15-26 "Peter's Speech and Matthias's Selection"). This address occurs after Jesus' ascension and before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Peter's primary aim is to explain the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot and to initiate the process of selecting a replacement. He frames Judas's betrayal and subsequent death not as an unforeseen tragedy, but as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, particularly those found in the Psalms, which speak of a betrayer and the need for another to take his office. The verse thus serves as a foundational statement affirming Judas's former legitimate standing within the apostolic band, making his fall all the more poignant and the need for succession imperative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community, largely composed of Jewish believers, would have deeply understood the significance of the number twelve. This number resonated with the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the foundational structure of God's people. Jesus' deliberate choice of twelve apostles, as detailed in passages like [Mark 3:13-19](/mark/3-13-19 "Jesus Appoints the Twelve"), was a clear signal that they were to be the new spiritual leaders, the foundational pillars of the nascent kingdom of God, mirroring the covenant structure of old Israel. The concept of "ministry" (Greek: *diakonia*) also carried weight, referring to dedicated service, often public and official, reflecting both practical duties and spiritual authority. The decision to replace Judas, rather than leaving the number at eleven, highlights the early church's commitment to maintaining divine order and the symbolic integrity of the apostolic office as established by Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Apostolic Office and Authority**, emphasizing that the apostles were chosen and appointed by Christ for a specific, vital "ministry" of witness, as seen in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission"). Secondly, it confronts the stark reality of **Betrayal and Apostasy**, serving as a somber reminder that even those intimately associated with Christ and entrusted with significant roles can fall away, as Judas did, leading to his tragic end described in [Acts 1:18-19](/acts/1-18-19 "Judas's Death"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment**. Peter's explanation asserts that Judas's actions, though sinful, did not thwart God's plan but rather fulfilled it, demonstrating God's ultimate control over history and human events, a theme echoed throughout the biblical narrative, from the prophecies concerning the Messiah to the establishment of His church. Lastly, it speaks to the nascent church's concern for **Order and Continuity**, as they sought to restore the full complement of twelve witnesses before the powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit on [the Day of Pentecost](/acts/2 "The Day of Pentecost").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **numbered (Greek, _katarithméō'_):** From G2674, meaning "to reckon among." This word emphasizes Judas's full and official inclusion in the apostolic group. It signifies that he was not merely an associate but was formally counted as one of the twelve, indicating a legitimate and recognized position within the inner circle of Jesus' disciples.
* **part (Greek, _klēros'_):** From G2819, meaning "a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)." In this context, it refers to a divinely allotted share or inheritance. Judas's "part" in the ministry was a specific, assigned portion of the apostolic calling, a sacred trust given by God.
* **ministry (Greek, _diakonía'_):** From G1248, meaning "attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate)." This term highlights the active, service-oriented nature of the apostolic role. It was not merely a title but a demanding work, involving service, administration, and the proclamation of the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he was numbered with us,"**: This clause establishes Judas's undeniable past status. Peter emphasizes that Judas was fully and officially counted among the apostles. This was not a casual association but a formal inclusion, signifying his legitimate call and recognition by Jesus Himself as one of the chosen twelve. This statement sets the foundation for understanding the gravity of his subsequent betrayal and the necessity of his replacement.
* **"and had obtained part"**: This phrase highlights that Judas's position was not accidental or self-appointed, but divinely granted. The word "obtained" (from *lanchánō*) implies receiving something by lot or by divine determination, underscoring that his share in the ministry was a specific, allotted portion. It points to God's sovereign hand in his initial calling, making his fall a profound tragedy of human failure against divine privilege.
* **"of this ministry."**: This final segment specifies the nature of the "part" Judas obtained. It refers to the unique and sacred service entrusted to the apostles – the "ministry" of being witnesses to Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and of proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom of God. This was a shared, collective responsibility, and Judas was a full participant in it until his defection.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 1:17, while seemingly a straightforward statement, employs several subtle literary devices. There is a strong element of **Understatement** and **Irony** present. Peter states Judas's former inclusion without immediately detailing his egregious betrayal, allowing the audience's knowledge of the recent events to fill in the tragic gap. The very fact that Judas "was numbered with us" and "had obtained part of this ministry" stands in stark ironic contrast to his ultimate actions. This highlights the profound **Tragedy** of his fall from a position of immense privilege and responsibility. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Euphemism** or **Allusion**, as it refers to Judas's past without explicitly naming his betrayal, yet the entire context of Peter's speech makes the gravity of his defection clear. The phrase "this ministry" also functions as **Metonymy**, where "ministry" stands in for the entire apostolic office and its collective duties.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:17 serves as a poignant reminder of the solemnity of divine calling and the potential for human failure, even among those most intimately connected to Christ. It underscores that spiritual privilege does not guarantee faithfulness, and that true ministry is characterized by integrity and enduring commitment, not merely by initial appointment. The verse also implicitly affirms God's unwavering sovereignty; even Judas's betrayal, a profound act of human sin, was incorporated into God's larger redemptive plan, fulfilling ancient prophecies and ultimately paving the way for the ongoing expansion of the Gospel through a restored apostolic witness. This demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human weakness or wickedness, but rather His will prevails through all circumstances.

* [Psalm 109:8](/psalms/109-8 "Prophecy of Judas's Office")
* [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Jesus Calls the Twelve Apostles")
* [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "Faithfulness in Stewardship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:17 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly regarding the nature of Christian service and the reality of human fallibility. It challenges us to examine our own commitment to Christ and His calling, reminding us that being "numbered with" God's people or "obtaining part of" His ministry is a sacred trust, not merely a status. Judas's tragic example serves as a sobering warning against hypocrisy, greed, and a lack of genuine faith, even when outwardly engaged in spiritual work. It compels us to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with Christ, recognizing that true perseverance comes from His sustaining grace, not our own strength or position. Moreover, this verse reassures us that even in the face of betrayal or failure within the church, God's overarching plan for His kingdom will prevail. Our responsibility is to remain faithful to our calling, humbly serving Him with integrity, and trusting in His sovereign hand to accomplish His purposes through us and despite our imperfections.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Judas's initial inclusion and subsequent fall challenge my understanding of what it means to be "chosen" or "called" by God?**
* **What does "ministry" mean in my own life, and how can I ensure my service is characterized by faithfulness and integrity, rather than mere outward participation?**
* **In what ways does the story of Judas, and God's response to it, strengthen my trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and His ability to work through human failure?**
* **How can I guard my heart against the subtle temptations that led to Judas's betrayal, such as greed, pride, or a lack of genuine devotion?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important for the disciples to replace Judas, rather than continuing with eleven apostles?**

Answer: The decision to replace Judas, as explained by Peter in [Acts 1:15-26](/acts/1-15-26 "Peter's Speech and Matthias's Selection"), was rooted in both symbolic and prophetic significance. Symbolically, the number twelve represented the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the foundational structure of God's people. Jesus had deliberately chosen twelve apostles to be the new spiritual leaders of His kingdom, mirroring this ancient covenant structure. Maintaining this number was seen as essential for the integrity and completeness of the apostolic witness to the world. Prophetically, Peter explicitly states that Judas's defection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, particularly from the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 69:25](/psalms/69-25 "Prophecy of Desolation") and [Psalm 109:8](/psalms/109-8 "Another to Take His Office")), which foretold a betrayer and the need for another to "take his office." Thus, replacing Judas was an act of obedience to Scripture and a recognition of the divinely ordained structure for the early church's mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 1:17, while focusing on Judas's former position, ultimately points to the supreme sovereignty of Christ. Even the betrayal by one of His chosen twelve, a profound act of human wickedness, did not derail God's redemptive plan but rather served to fulfill it, demonstrating Christ's ultimate control over all events. Jesus, who "knew from the beginning who it was that would betray him" ([John 6:64](/john/6-64 "Jesus Knows His Betrayer")), allowed Judas to be "numbered with us" and obtain "part of this ministry" to fulfill the Scriptures and to highlight the depth of His own sacrifice. The establishment of the apostolic office, even with its initial flaw, was part of Christ's foundational work for His church. He is the true Cornerstone upon whom the church is built, with the apostles and prophets as its foundation ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ, the Cornerstone of the Church")). The selection of Matthias to replace Judas, guided by prayer and lot, underscores Christ's continued headship over His church, ensuring that His chosen witnesses were in place to receive the Holy Spirit and carry forth the Gospel, fulfilling the Great Commission given by the resurrected Lord ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "The Great Commission")). Thus, Acts 1:17, though a somber verse, ultimately magnifies Christ's unwavering purpose and His perfect plan for salvation and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 1:25

That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

Acts 20:24

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Mark 3:19

And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

Acts 21:19

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

John 6:70

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

John 6:71

He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

John 17:12

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.