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.

Acts 1:25 nkjv

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

Acts 1:25 niv

to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs."

Acts 1:25 esv

to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."

Acts 1:25 nlt

as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs."

Acts 1 verses

Acts 1 25 Meaning

This verse concisely articulates the reason for selecting a replacement for Judas Iscariot within the apostolic group. It highlights Judas's defection from his God-appointed "ministry and apostleship" and his subsequent departure "to go to his own place." This "place" stands in stark contrast to the divine commission, understood by most interpreters as a specific destiny of judgment that Judas, by his own choices, walked into. The verse thus underscores both the vacancy created by Judas's apostasy and the theological necessity of filling his unique role.

Acts 1 25 Context

Acts 1:25 occurs immediately after Peter’s discourse to the 120 disciples gathered after Jesus' ascension. In Acts 1:15-17, Peter addresses the need to replace Judas Iscariot, drawing upon prophecies from the Psalms concerning a traitor. He clarifies that Judas, who betrayed Jesus, had received his share in their common "ministry." Peter then cites Pss 69:25 and Pss 109:8 (Acts 1:20), which speak of desolate habitations and another taking office. Verse 25 elaborates on Judas's specific forfeiture: giving up his integral "place in this ministry and apostleship." The overarching context is the selection of Matthias to complete the original number of twelve apostles (Acts 1:26), fulfilling both prophecy and the need for unified apostolic witness to Christ's resurrection. Historically, the twelve apostles were central to the foundation of the Church, reflecting the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolizing the reconstituted people of God under the new covenant. Judas's defection created not just a personal tragedy but a theological vacuum requiring divine intervention for restoration.

Acts 1 25 Word analysis

• to take: The Greek verb is lambanein (λαμβάνειν), meaning to receive, take, or get. Here, it signifies the appointment or acquisition of a specific role, implying divine selection and reception into the apostolic office rather than a forceful seizing of it.
• the place: The Greek word is topon (τόπον). While literally "place" or "space," in this context, it metaphorically refers to a specific position, office, or allotted sphere of responsibility within the ministry and apostleship. It emphasizes the specific and irreplaceable role that Judas had held.
• in this ministry: Diakonias (διακονίας) in Greek. This term refers to service, aid, or ministering. Here, it denotes the general work or function associated with the apostles' commission—proclaiming the Gospel, teaching, and serving the nascent Christian community. It speaks to the practical duties.
• and apostleship: Apostolēs (ἀποστολῆς) in Greek. This signifies the specific office, commission, and authority of an apostle, derived directly from being "one sent" by Jesus Christ. It underscores the unique divine appointment and foundational role of the Twelve as witnesses to the resurrection. It emphasizes the spiritual authority and mission.
• from which: Aph' hēs (ἀφ' ἧς) in Greek. This phrase denotes separation or departure from the aforementioned ministry and apostleship. It highlights that Judas consciously and definitively abandoned his divine calling.
• Judas: Judas Iscariot. His name means "praised" or "thanksgiving" (Judas, Hebrew Judah) and Iscariot possibly meaning "man of Kerioth" (a town) or "dagger-man/assassin." His historical role as the betrayer of Jesus is central to his identification here.
• turned aside: The Greek verb is parebē (παρέβη). It means "to go beyond," "to transgress," "to deviate from," or "to turn aside." It conveys the idea of a conscious choice by Judas to stray from his assigned path and calling. It denotes an act of rebellion or deviation from righteousness.
• to go: The Greek verb is poreuthenai (πορευθῆναι). It means "to go," "to journey," or "to depart." In this context, combined with "to his own place," it implies a decisive movement towards a final, destined end, suggesting the consequences of his actions.
• to his own place: Topon ton idion (τόπον τὸν ἴδιον) in Greek. This is a critical phrase. Unlike the "place" of ministry, "his own place" refers to Judas's specific, self-chosen, and ultimate destiny, commonly understood as a place of judgment or perdition (e.g., Hell or eternal punishment). It strongly suggests a divine consequence tailored to his actions. This phrase marks the profound contrast between his intended destiny (as an apostle) and his actual, earned destiny. It highlights personal accountability and the grim spiritual consequences of his choices.

Acts 1 25 Bonus section

The concept of "his own place" is not merely a euphemism for death, but strongly points to a unique, eternal destiny of judgment for Judas. This phrase aligns with the broader biblical teaching on the eternal separation of the wicked from God. The divine necessity of replacing Judas underscores the theological importance of the number twelve for the apostles, representing the new Israel or the foundation of the Church, built upon the twelve. This number links the new covenant community directly to the covenant people of God under the old covenant. Judas's fall, while tragic, serves to emphasize God's unwavering purpose in establishing His church through a steadfast apostolic witness.

Acts 1 25 Commentary

Acts 1:25 provides a succinct yet profound summary of Judas Iscariot's fall and its necessary rectification. It serves as the theological underpinning for the election of Matthias, ensuring the divinely ordained number of twelve apostles. The contrast between "the place in this ministry and apostleship" and "his own place" is stark. The former represents the honor, authority, and eternal reward of faithful service to God. The latter, "his own place," signifies the destination appointed by divine judgment for those who choose perfidy over faithfulness. This is not a randomly assigned spot, but the outcome directly correlated with his choices, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (Pss 109:8) that Judas's betrayal would result in replacement. This verse powerfully illustrates the severe spiritual consequences of apostasy and betrayal of Christ. It demonstrates that while humans act with free will, God’s sovereign plan ultimately prevails, even using the evil actions of men to fulfill His purposes.