Acts 1:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

That he may take {G2983} part {G2819} of this {G5026} ministry {G1248} and {G2532} apostleship {G651}, from {G1537} which {G3739} Judas {G2455} by transgression fell {G3845}, that he might go {G4198} to {G1519} his own {G2398} place {G5117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to take over the work and the office of emissary that Y’hudah abandoned to go where he belongs.”

Berean Standard Bible

to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.”

American Standard Version

to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 1:25 is a solemn and pivotal verse articulating the purpose behind the apostles' decision to select a replacement for Judas Iscariot. It states that the chosen individual would "take part of this ministry and apostleship," specifically the sacred office from which Judas tragically "fell" due to his "transgression," leading him to his own grim and deserved eternal "place." This verse underscores the gravity of Judas's betrayal, the continuity of divine calling, and the somber reality of eternal consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the immediate aftermath of [Jesus' ascension into heaven](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - The Ascension of Jesus"), as recorded in the opening chapter of Acts. The disciples, numbering about 120, are gathered in Jerusalem, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). Peter takes the lead, acknowledging the necessity of fulfilling Old Testament prophecy regarding Judas's defection and replacement, referencing [Psalm 69:25](/psalms/69-25 "Psalm 69:25 - Desolation of Enemies") and [Psalm 109:8](/psalms/109-8 "Psalm 109:8 - Another Takes Office"). The criteria for the new apostle, detailed in [Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "Acts 1:21-22 - Qualifications for an Apostle"), required someone who had accompanied Jesus and the apostles from John's baptism until Christ's ascension, thereby serving as a credible witness to His resurrection. Acts 1:25 thus serves as the theological justification for the selection process that culminates in the choice of Matthias in [Acts 1:26](/acts/1-26 "Acts 1:26 - Matthias Chosen").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church, predominantly Jewish in its initial composition, would have understood the profound significance of the number twelve. This number resonated deeply with the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the restoration and continuity of God's covenant people. The selection of twelve apostles by Jesus (Mark 3:13-19) was a deliberate act to establish the foundational leadership of the new covenant community, mirroring the patriarchal structure of Israel. The concept of "apostleship" (ἀποστολή) was not merely a title but an authoritative office, signifying one who was "sent out" with a specific commission directly from Christ, bearing witness to His life, death, and resurrection. Judas's "transgression" (παράβασις) would have been understood within a Jewish legal and moral framework as a deliberate violation of covenant loyalty and divine command, particularly heinous given his proximity to Jesus. The idea of a "place" (τόπος) as a final destination, often tied to one's deeds, was also a familiar concept in ancient thought, both Jewish and Greco-Roman.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [the Book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles") and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **continuity and divine ordering of apostolic ministry**. Even in the face of profound human failure, God's plan for the leadership and witness of His church remains steadfast. Secondly, it powerfully underscores the **gravity and consequences of betrayal and spiritual transgression**. Judas's actions were not a mere mistake but a deliberate act of unfaithfulness with eternal ramifications, a stark warning against apostasy. His fate is contrasted with the faithful witness required of an apostle. Thirdly, the phrase "that he might go to his own place" introduces the theme of **divine judgment and individual destiny**, implying a just and fixed consequence for one's actions, particularly for those who reject the light. This theme is echoed in other New Testament warnings about the end of the unrighteous, such as those found in [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Punishment") and [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ministry (Greek, _diakonía'_):** From _diákonos_ (servant), this term signifies attendance, service, or administration. In this context, it refers to the official, authoritative service and duties associated with the apostolic office. It encompasses the spiritual and practical work of proclaiming the gospel, teaching, and leading the nascent church.
* **transgression (Greek, _parabaínō'_):** Derived from _pará_ (beside, beyond) and _báino_ (to go), this verb means "to go contrary to," "to step over a boundary," or "to violate a command." It emphasizes the deliberate and intentional nature of Judas's act of betrayal, highlighting that his fall was not accidental but a willful departure from loyalty and divine expectation.
* **place (Greek, _tópos'_):** A primary word denoting a spot, location, or condition. In this solemn context, "his own place" is a euphemism for Judas's ultimate, eternal destiny. It implies a specific, fitting, and inescapable spiritual state or location that is a direct consequence of his actions and character, widely understood as a place of judgment and eternal separation from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship":** This clause states the primary purpose of the selection process: to fill the vacancy left by Judas. The new apostle would assume the duties and authoritative role inherent in the "ministry" (service) and "apostleship" (commission) that Jesus had established for the twelve. It underscores the importance of maintaining the full complement of foundational witnesses to Christ's resurrection.
* **"from which Judas by transgression fell":** This segment identifies the reason for the vacancy and the nature of Judas's departure. It explicitly attributes his removal from the apostolic band to a "transgression," emphasizing his deliberate act of betrayal (selling Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, as in Matthew 26:14-16) rather than an accidental or involuntary departure. His fall was a moral and spiritual failure of the highest order.
* **"that he might go to his own place":** This chilling final phrase describes Judas's ultimate destination. It is a stark, euphemistic statement indicating his eternal fate. "His own place" implies a destiny that is uniquely and justly suited to his character and deeds, a place of spiritual and eternal consequence that is a direct result of his unfaithfulness and rejection of Christ. It is widely interpreted as a reference to eternal judgment or perdition.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 1:25 employs several literary devices to convey its weighty message. The phrase "that he might go to his own place" functions as a powerful **euphemism**, indirectly referring to Judas's eternal damnation without explicitly stating it. This indirectness lends a somber, almost inevitable, tone to his fate. There is also a strong element of **juxtaposition** present in the verse: the sacred "ministry and apostleship" is sharply contrasted with Judas's "transgression" and his grim "own place." This highlights the vast chasm between divine calling and human failure, and the severe consequences of unfaithfulness. Furthermore, the verse carries a sense of **irony**, as Judas, chosen by Christ for a high and holy office, ultimately betrays his Lord and ends up in a place of utter spiritual desolation, a stark reversal of his initial calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:25 is rich with theological implications, particularly concerning the nature of divine calling, human responsibility, and the reality of eternal judgment. It underscores that spiritual office is a sacred trust, and unfaithfulness carries profound consequences. Judas's tragic end serves as a stark warning that even those intimately associated with Christ can fall away through deliberate sin and betrayal. Yet, even in the face of such a profound failure, God's sovereign plan for the church's leadership and the spread of the Gospel remains unhindered, demonstrating His ability to work through human circumstances to fulfill His purposes. The verse also implicitly affirms the biblical teaching that there is a just and fitting eternal destiny for all, determined by one's actions and relationship with God.

* [Matthew 26:24](/matthew/26-24 "Matthew 26:24 - Woe to the Betrayer")
* [Psalm 109:8](/psalms/109-8 "Psalm 109:8 - Let Another Take His Office")
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:25, though focused on Judas's tragic fate, offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the immense responsibility that accompanies any calling or ministry within the body of Christ. Our commitment to God must be unwavering, characterized by integrity, faithfulness, and genuine love, not by self-interest or hypocrisy. Judas's story underscores the sobering reality that every choice has eternal consequences; deliberate transgression against God's will can lead to spiritual ruin. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our service is motivated by pure devotion and not by hidden agendas or unconfessed sin. Furthermore, the apostles' immediate action to restore the twelve highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual order and leadership, even in the face of profound failure. We are called to persevere in our faith, trusting in God's sovereignty to work His purposes, even amidst the imperfections and betrayals that may arise within the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Judas's "transgression" challenge my understanding of personal responsibility and the consequences of sin?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prioritize my own desires over my commitment to Christ's "ministry and apostleship" in my life?**
* **How can the church today learn from the apostles' response to Judas's betrayal, particularly regarding maintaining spiritual order and moving forward in faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "his own place" mean in reference to Judas?**

Answer: The phrase "his own place" (Greek: _eis ton tópon ton ídion_) is a solemn biblical euphemism for Judas's ultimate, eternal destiny. It is widely understood by biblical scholars as a reference to a place of eternal separation from God, or perdition, a destination fitting the gravity of his betrayal of Jesus. This expression emphasizes that his fate was a just and deserved consequence of his deliberate actions and unrepentant heart. It contrasts sharply with the "place" that Jesus prepares for His faithful followers in [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place").

**Why was it necessary to replace Judas, and what was the significance of the number twelve?**

Answer: The replacement of Judas was deemed necessary by the apostles primarily to restore the symbolic and theological significance of the number twelve. In Jewish tradition, the number twelve represented the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the completeness and foundation of God's people. Jesus deliberately chose twelve apostles to be the foundational pillars of the new covenant community, the "new Israel." Maintaining this number was crucial for the early church's self-understanding and its witness, particularly as they were preparing for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the global mission. The new apostle needed to be a witness to the entirety of Jesus' earthly ministry, from John's baptism to His ascension, specifically to be a witness of His resurrection, as stated in [Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "Acts 1:21-22 - Qualifications for an Apostle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 1:25 speaks of Judas's tragic fall, it implicitly points to the ultimate triumph and faithfulness of Christ. Judas's betrayal, though a heinous act of human sin, was paradoxically part of God's sovereign plan for redemption, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering Messiah (e.g., [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Friend")). Jesus, the true and faithful "Apostle and High Priest of our confession" ([Hebrews 3:1](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1 - Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest")), perfectly fulfilled His ministry, unlike Judas who "fell" from his. The "place" Judas went to stands in stark contrast to the "place" Jesus has gone to prepare for His own, a place of eternal communion and glory ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Christ's unwavering obedience, even to the point of death on the cross, secured a "place" for all who believe, demonstrating His perfect faithfulness where Judas utterly failed. The continuity of the apostolic ministry, despite Judas's defection, ultimately points to Christ as the true head of the church, who continues to build His kingdom even through human frailty and failure ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")).

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

Romans 1:5

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

1 Corinthians 9:2

If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

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.

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.

Galatians 2:8

(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

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.