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. whole number then assembled. It is at all hazards, and to go forward in the observable, that the Eleven did not as-name of the Lord. sume the right and responsibility of 16. Men and brethren. This may be setting apart a new apostle; but they regarded as a pleonasm, meaning simsubmitted the matter to the whole com- ply brethren. It was a customary form pany of believers, who were requested of speech among the Jews. See Acts to select two, between whom the choice xiii. 26; xv. 7, 13; xxii. 1. ¶ This should be decided by lot, after a solemn scripture. The word scripture literally appeal to God. It has been well ob- means writing, or the thing written. served that this example "settles the But, in the Bible, it is generally applied question that the election of a minister to the Holy Writings; and such is the and pastor should be by the church, meaning almost universally attached to and not be imposed on them by any it by Christians. It must be rememright of presentation by individuals, or bered, however, that when this word by any ecclesiastical body. If a case occurs in the New Testament, it almost could ever occur where a minister uniformly refers exclusively to the Old should be chosen by the ministry only, Testament. So far as I recollect, the such a case was here in the election of only two instances where this word apanother apostle. And yet in this the pears to refer to the writings of the entire church had a voice."-Barnes. New Testament are 2 Tim. iii. 16, and Number of the names. Or, the num-2 Pet. iii. 16; and, even in these cases, ber of persons. Names is often used it may be doubted whether such was in this sense in the scriptures. About the original reference, however true the a hundred and twenty. Some have supposed this to be the full number of persons who had then acknowledged Jesus as a true prophet of God, and the promised Messiah. Others have considered it more probable that he had converted a somewhat larger number, during his personal ministry. Paul tells us, that, on one occasion after his resurrection, our Lord "was seen by above five hundred brethren at once." 1 Cor. xv. 6. This was undoubtedly before his ascension. It is possible, to be sure, that these five hundred did not become believers, or brethren in the faith, until after the day of Pentecost; but it is quite as consistent with the language of Paul to suppose they were believers when they enjoyed this beatific vision. Perhaps the truth may be, that some hundreds were disciples, but "secretly for fear of the Jews," John xix. 38; and that only about one hundred and twenty had sufficient fortitude and self-devotion to acknowledge their faith in Jesus. So many had assembled; and to them was the language of Peter addressed. He took it for granted that their faith was strong, and that they had no intention to abandon the enterprise in which they were engaged. The election of a new apostle distinctly indicated a fixed purpose to persevere facts may be in regard to the New Tes- See 17 For he was numbered with | field with the reward of iniquity; us, and had obtained part of this and falling headlong, he burst ministry. asunder in the midst, and all his 18 Now this man purchased a bowels gushed out. to sell him for money. Yet, traitor as he was, nothing could induce him to say that Jesus was guilty of any iniquity. The Jews would have paid almost any price for such testimony. They did obtain false witnesses. Mark xiv. 55-59. Could they have prevail firm believer in divine revelation, but not as absolutely authoritative. Concerning Judas. Whether or not the language of David had original reference to Judas, it might properly be said to be concerning him, because it was so applicable to his conduct and fate. Our Lord himself had previously ap-ed on Judas to accuse him, they would plied the same language to Judas: "That the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me, hath lifted up his heel against me." John xiii. 18. So precisely did the language correspond with the character of Judas, that our Saviour declared the scripture was thus fulfilled. And in this sense it was a scripture concerning Judas, whether its primary reference were to him or not. Which was guide, &c. See Matt. xxvi. 47-49. gladly have given a magnificent recompense of reward. But his testimony was far different. He proclaimed the entire innocence of his Master, and acknowledged that all the guilt was his own. Matt. xxvii. 4. Such testimony from a man who had full opportunity to discover any possible fault in our Saviour's character, and who had proved himself a traitor, should for ever seal the lips of all adversaries and all doubters. For had there been the slightest possible foundation for charge of ungodliness, Judas would have eagerly grasped it, as an excuse for his treason, and with the hope of further reward. The choice of such a man, when viewed in this light, manifests wisdom. a 18. This man purchased, &c. The money which Judas received for his treachery, and subsequently threw down in the temple, when his efforts to liberate Jesus proved unavailing, was expended by the rulers in the purchase of a field for the burial of strangers. Matt. xxvii. 3-8. Although Judas did not personally bargain for this field, yet he furnished the means for its purchase; and it is com 17. For he was numbered with us. He was accounted an apostle and a true follower of Jesus. He enjoyed equal privileges with the other apostles. The world perceived no difference in their honesty and sincerity. The apostles themselyes had so little suspicion of Judas, that, when Jesus declared one of them should betray him, instead of turning their eyes simultaneously on him as the traitor, each one began to inquire, "Lord, is it I?" Matt. xxvi. 21, 22. Thus far Judas was numbered with the apostles. But, at heart, he had no true connection with them; and this was perfectly understood by his Master, who saw the heart, and often intimated his entire want of confidence in him. It may, at first sight, seem sin-mon to represent a man as doing that gular that Jesus should have assigned a which he causes or procures to be done; part in the ministry to one who was so and the same holds true, where one utterly destitute of the qualities neces- furnishes the means by which others sary to constitute a true and faithful are enabled to accomplish any specified apostle. But in this, as in all his con- work. Reward of iniquity. Nameduct, he was guided by divine wisdom. ly, the thirty pieces of silver which the Had all the apostles proved faithful, his rulers covenanted to pay him for beenemies might have alleged that Jesus traying his Master. ¶ Falling headwas truly guilty of iniquity, of which his long. This account differs somewhat apostles were partakers, and that they from that given by Matthew; yet the persisted in their protestations of his two may be reconciled. See notes on innocence to shield themselves from Matt. xxvi. 24; xxvii. 5. Comparing condemnation with him. But this alone with the other, it seems probable legation was taken from them by Judas. that Judas endured such grief and horWhether or not he was ever sincerely ror of mind, in contemplating his awful attached to his Master, he was tempted crime, that he was choked or suffocated 19 And it was known unto all proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to the dwellers at Jerusalem; inso- say, The field of blood. much as that field is called in their 20 For it is written in the book by the violence of his feelings; and, fall- and the explanation of that name, ing headlong or prone upon the earth, would be very unnatural in Peter, but he burst asunder, as here stated. This very natural in Luke. It should be appears more consistent with all the remembered that Peter's address to facts in the case, than the supposition his brethren was less than fifty days that he committed suicide by hanging. subsequent to the time when the events Of the reasons which induce me to pre- occurred. Possibly the field had then fer this exposition, I shall mention only been named; yet Peter could scarcely one. The falling headlong would be a be expected to refer to that fact as a natural consequence of suffocation or corroboration of his assertion. Besides, strangling, but an unnatural result of the name given was in the language hanging. In mentioning his death, the commonly used by the Jews; and there historian might very properly record is no evidence that any except Jews the result, without distinctly specifying were then present with Peter. The the cause; and, by the expression here explanation of that name was given in used, he sufficiently denotes the fact Greek, a language not in common use that Judas perished by a remarkable among the Jews. It is highly improbable and miserable death. But, on the sup- that Peter should mention a name which position that he died by his own hand, his hearers well understood, being a it is very remarkable that the historian word in their own proper tongue, and should not mention the fact. He does then give its explanation in a foreign not even allude to it; for the circum- tongue. But with Luke the case was difstance mentioned by him is so far from ferent. He wrote several years after the intimating suicide by hanging, that it is occurrence of the events narrated; and altogether an unnatural result of such it was natural that he should refer to this an action. Apart from other inform-name, as a standing monument of the ation, no one would suspect, from this fact, corroborating his history. He allusion, that Judas hung himself. It particularly addressed a Greek, as the might be supposed that he fell by ac- name seems to imply, and designed his cident or in a convulsion, or apoplexy, narration for the use of those who were or fainting fit; but suspension by a rope not acquainted with the proper tongue would be among the last possible sus- of the Jews; and it was natural that pected causes of falling headlong. If, he should explain the words of that lanthen, as is reasonable, the historian be guage, when he had occasion to use supposed to allude to the manner of the them. This he did frequently. See traitor's death, we need not hesitate to Acts iv. 36; ix. 36; xiii. 8. And such conclude that it was occasioned by suf- was the custom of the evangelists, when focation, rather than hanging. That writing for the information of those who the account given by Matthew is sus- were not familiarly acquainted with the ceptible of this interpretation has been language of the Jews. shown in the note on that passage. 20. It is written, &c. The passages 19. It was known, &c. That is, the here referred to, but not literally treachery and death of Judas, and the quoted, are supposed to be Ps. Ixix. purchase of the field with the wages of 25; cix. 8. Whether either of these iniquity. Proper tongue. That is, Psalms had primary reference to the the language then in common use Messiah, or whether they are so applied among the Jews, which was not the by accommodation, is a question not proper Hebrew, but the Syro-chaldaic. easily determined. It is certain that Aceldama. This word is composed several passages in Ps. Ixix. are quoted of two others, and literally signifies, as by the evangelists in reference to Jesus, here stated, the field of blood. This and it is remarkable that no portion of verse and the preceding are generally it appears to be necessarily limited to considered parenthetical. And there David. See John ii. 17; xix. 29; comare good reasons for regarding them as the language of Luke, not of Peter. The reference to the name of the field, pared with Ps. Ixix. 9, 21. And it has been said concerning the quotation from Ps. cix. 8, "If it primarily relate of Psalms, Let his habitation be | which have companied with us, all desolate, and let no man dwell the time that the Lord Jesus went therein and, His bishoprick let in and out among us, another take. 21. Wherefore of these men 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that originally appointed. But they subsequently seem to have disregarded the precise number; for, when they were satisfied that Paul was called of the Lord to be an apostle, they gladly received him as such, increasing their number to thirteen. And we have no evidence that the survivors elected any successors to those who were removed by death. T Companied with us, all the time, &c. It was thought to be an indispensable qualification of an apostle, that he should have been personally acquainted with the conduct of Jesus during his whole ministry. Two obvious reasons may be assigned for this opinion: (1.) Such a one would be more fully acquainted with all the facts which he was to proclaim; and (2.) having already endured persecution and remained faithful thus long, he might the more reasonably expect and be expected to continue unmoved by the trials and persecutions afterwards to be encountered. Went in and out. A common expression to denote the usual and constant habits of life. either to Doeg or Ahithophel, the mortal enemies of David, it might by the Holy Spirit be intended to have its full completion in the betrayer of the Son of David."-Whitby. Let his habitation be desolate, &c. This is an image of destruction from the face of the earth; and it had been fulfilled in the case of Judas. His former dwelling-place had become desolate, and he should return to it no more. THis bishopric, &c. Literally, his overseership. The word rendered bishop means simply an overseer, whether of the church, or of a civil or a military community. See 2 Kings xi. 19; Neh. xi. 9, 14, 22; Acts xx. 28. And the word here rendered bishopric bears the same relation to the other, as bishopric to bishop, or overseership to overseer. The distinction in rank or authority among the clergy, which these terms have more recently been made to indicate, was unknown in the days of the apostles. The apostles were chief rulers, but not styled bishops; they were exalted, as if on twelve thrones, to pronounce with authority concerning matters of faith 22. Beginning from the baptism of and practice in the kingdom of their John. That is, from the time when Lord. But there is no evidence, that Jesus made his first public appearance, any distinction in rank or authority and was indicated as a divine messenwas recognised among those whom they ger. Thus particular was Peter, that ordained as elders, or presbyters, or bishops, by which several names they are indifferently called. And it has been shrewdly observed, that "it is scarcely necessary to add that Peter here did not intend to affirm that Judas sustained any office corresponding to what is now commonly understood by the term bishop." the person to be elected an apostle should have personal knowledge of the important events in our Lord's life, from the very commencement of his ministry. ¶ Unto that same day, &c. The candidate must have remained faithful even to the end. True, all the apostles forsook Jesus in his hour of extremity, and were scattered like 21. Wherefore, &c. In accordance sheep. But their courage revived when with the language before quoted, it was they knew he had risen from the dead, proposed that the office which Judas and they again attached themselves to had sustained, however unworthily, and him; and so much they required of from which he had been cut off, should the person whom they would present now be filled, that the original number, before the Lord for election and contwelve, might enter upon the great firmation. He must have witnessed the work assigned them. It does not ap- ascension, as well as the baptism, the pear for what special reason the apos- mighty works, and the crucifixion of our tles proceeded to elect an associate in Lord. ¶ Must one be ordained. This the stead of Judas, unless it were that should be regarded as a recommendathey then thought it expedient to pre- tion rather than a command; or rather, serve the same number that their Lord | perhaps, as an opinion expressed by he was taken up from us, must one | seph called Barsabas, who was surbe ordained to be a witness with named Justus, and Matthias. us of his resurrection. 23 And they appointed two, Jo Peter, that such an election was necessary for the complete fulfilment of the scripture which he had quoted. That another might take the overseership formerly belonging to Judas, and become an authorized witness of the resurrection, it was necessary that he should be thereunto elected and appointed. This is all which is here meant by being ordained. The forms and ceremonies, to which this term is now technically applied, were then unknown; except, it would seem, the apostles were accustomed to lay their hands on the head of any one appointed as a minister of the word, and to give unto him the right hand of fellowship. Gal. ii. 9; 1 Tim. v. 22. But it does not appear that even this was done in the present case. The appeal was made for a divine decision; and this was sufficient. See note on Mark iii. 14. ¶ Witness with us of his resurrection. The great labor of the apostles was to convince men that Jesus had truly risen from the dead. This fact lies at the very foundation of Christianity. If this cannot be proved, no reliance can be placed on the testimony of Jesus as a divinely commissioned teacher. If it be proved, then is he effectually declared to be the Son of God. Rom. i. 4. Accordingly, we find the apostles uniformly laboring, first of all, to establish this fact; rightly judging that as many as were convinced would believe his testimony. Whether they were competent and credible witnesses of this fact, see note at the end of Matthew. 24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the called Barsabas. Of this person we have no particular account in the scriptures. Some have supposed him to be the same who is elsewhere called Barnabas. But of this there is no sufficient evidence; and Lightfoot, whose skill in Hebrew was never questioned, says that these two names are altogether different in signification, and cannot properly be supposed to have designated the same person. ¶ Matthias. We know little more of this person, upon whom the lot of apostleship fell, than of the the other. Some of the ancients supposed him to have been one of the seventy disciples; and that, after his election, he preached and died at Colchis. But we have no account in the scriptures of his labors, success, sufferings, or death. 24. And they prayed, &c. Not presuming, upon their own responsibility, to elect and set apart an associate, they appealed to God to indicate which of the two brethren presented before him should attain the rank of an apostle. The manner in which they sought to know the divine will, namely by the casting of lots, might be justifiable at that time, when God frequently interposed by miracle to carry forward the great work committed to his Son; but, at present, since the discontinuance of miraculous interpositions, it would be an unsafe method of decision. We may better depend on the conclusion of our own reason, guided by revelation, than trust to the chance of lots. The apostles, however, did not regard it as chance, but as the decision of 23. They appointed two, &c. This God, in answer to prayer; and so it was, appointment or selection of the two we may believe, in this particular candidates seems to have been made by instance. Many have supposed this the whole company of believers then prayer was directly addressed to Jesus present. The individuals selected were Christ, and hence have argued his of course well known, as they had fol- supreme divinity. But, if the fact lowed Jesus during his whole ministry, were so, the conclusion would not ver. 21; and they were probably emin- necessarily follow. The apostles who ent for their observance of his precepts. had so long and so recently been acIt is reasonable to suppose their quali- customed to ask favors of their Master, fications were so equal in the minds of without the slightest suspicion that the apostles, that it was difficult for he was the Supreme God, might immere human reason to decide the pre-plore him to manifest his choice of ference; and the apostles would not an apostle, without recognizing him assume the responsibility. Joseph as God, or contemplating any thing |