Acts 1:15 And in those days Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples, and said… This was a meeting — I. TO TRANSACT BUSINESS OF VERY GRAVE IMPORTANCE. To elect an apostle — an eye-witness of the resurrection — in the place of Judas. The resurrection is the key-stone of the Christian system. The fact was so extraordinary, and clashed so mightily with popular prejudices that no one would dare to proclaim it who had not been deeply convinced of it by irresistible evidence. To be able to do this was necessary to constitute an apostle. II. IN WHICH THE ASSEMBLED MEMBERS HAD A DUTY TO FULFIL, and all of them, male and female, were called upon to exercise their best judgment, and to give their conscientious vote. The candidates were set up not by the apostles, but by the whole body of disciples. The appointment of ministers is not the right of an individual, however distinguished in Church and state, but by the assembled Church. III. COMPETENT IN ITSELF TO DISCHARGE THE BUSINESS. They sought no counsel from any body of men external to themselves, nor would they have submitted to dictation from any person or society outside, however dignified. The power of a Church for its own business is in itself inspired and guided by Christ its Head. IV. SUPERINTENDED BY ITS ABLEST MEMBER. Peter's conduct shows that he was the most competent — the man to direct affairs. Observe — 1. His sketch of the miserable man who had once occupied the vacant post. 2. His counsel as to present duty. Peter's principle was that the new apostle should be selected from those who were most intimate with the Master — a principle to be for ever observed. He only is qualified for the highest office in the Church whose alliance with Christ is most vital. V. IN WHICH THEY ENGAGED IN UNITED PRAYER TO HEAVEN FOR DIRECTION. The prayer implies — 1. A recognition of the Divine omniscience. A deep impression of God's acquaintance with all hearts is essential to devotion. 2. A desire to have their choice regulated by the Divine. "We only desire to vote for Him whom Thou hast ordained." Conclusion: Would that all church meetings had ever been ruled by this model. Gathered not for trivial but important business; recognising the right of every member to a voice; holding the power to transact all its affairs independently of external authority, etc. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) |
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