Acts 1:20

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.

For {G1063} it is written {G1125} in {G1722} the book {G976} of Psalms {G5568}, Let {G1096} his {G846} habitation {G1886} be {G1096} desolate {G2048}, and {G2532} let {G2077} no man {G3361} dwell {G2730} therein {G1722}{G846}: and {G2532} his {G846} bishoprick {G1984} let {G2983} another {G2087} take {G2983}.

“Now,” said Kefa, “it is written in the book of Psalms,

‘Let his estate become desolate,
let there be no one to live in it’;

and

‘Let someone else take his place as a supervisor.’

“For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his position.’

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

In Acts 1:20, Peter addresses the gathering of disciples following Jesus' ascension, emphasizing the necessity of replacing Judas Iscariot. This verse serves as a pivotal moment, justifying the selection of a new apostle based on Old Testament prophecies.

Context

This verse is part of Peter's discourse to the approximately 120 disciples gathered in Jerusalem after Jesus' ascension and before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Peter identifies Judas's betrayal and subsequent death as a direct fulfillment of scripture, specifically quoting from the Book of Psalms. The immediate context is the discussion about the qualifications and need for a twelfth apostle to restore the symbolic number of the original twelve, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the foundation of the new covenant community.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Peter asserts that Judas's actions and fate were foretold, demonstrating God's sovereign plan at work even through human wickedness. The first part of the quote, "Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein," is from Psalm 69:25, a lament often interpreted messianically. The second part, "and his bishoprick let another take," comes from Psalm 109:8, a psalm of imprecation against an enemy.
  • Consequences of Betrayal: The verse highlights the severe consequences of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus. His "habitation" becoming desolate and his "bishoprick" being taken by another signify divine judgment and the irreversible loss of his esteemed position among the apostles.
  • Apostolic Succession and Continuity: The core message is the urgent need to maintain the full number of the twelve apostles. This was crucial for the early church's understanding of its foundation and mission, ensuring the continuity of the witness to Christ's resurrection. The disciples saw this as a divine imperative to fill the vacant "office" or "apostleship."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "bishoprick" (from Greek episkopē) in this context does not refer to the later ecclesiastical office of a bishop as we understand it today. Instead, it literally means "oversight," "office," or "charge." Here, it specifically denotes the unique and foundational "apostolic office" or "apostleship" that Judas held. Peter is affirming that this specific, divinely appointed role must be filled by another, as prophesied.

Practical Application

Acts 1:20 offers several enduring lessons:

  • God's Sovereignty: Even in the face of human treachery and sin, God's ultimate plan and prophecies are fulfilled. This provides reassurance of God's control over history.
  • Consequences of Sin: The story of Judas serves as a solemn warning about the destructive power and severe consequences of betrayal and unrepentant sin.
  • Divine Order and Leadership: The meticulous process of selecting Matthias to replace Judas (Acts 1:26) underscores the importance of legitimate, divinely appointed leadership and order within the community of faith.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 69:25

    Let their habitation be desolate; [and] let none dwell in their tents.

  • Psalms 109:8

    Let his days be few; [and] let another take his office.

  • Psalms 109:15

    Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.

  • 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.

  • Luke 20:42

    And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

  • Acts 13:33

    God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

  • Zechariah 5:3

    Then said he unto me, This [is] the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off [as] on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off [as] on that side according to it.

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