Acts 1:20
“For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's really striking here is Peter's choice to quote two different Psalms to describe Judas's fate. One speaks of his dwelling place becoming empty, and the other of his "office" or "oversight" being taken by another, highlighting both the personal desolation and the continuation of God's work despite betrayal. This shows that Judas's end wasn't just a personal tragedy, but a fulfillment of God's plan, which would not be derailed by his actions.
Peter is explaining why they need to choose a replacement for Judas among the apostles. He uses Scripture from the Psalms to show that Judas's betrayal and death were not unexpected events but part of God's plan, demonstrating that his position as an apostle was lost forever and needed to be filled by another. This sets the stage for Matthias to be chosen to complete the apostolic team.
Judas betrayed Jesus, but Peter points to Scripture to show this wasn't a random event. It was predicted, and God's plan wouldn't stop because of it.
Peter quotes two passages from the Psalms to explain Judas's fate and the need to replace him.
Judgment for Treason
First, he quotes Psalm 69:25: “May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it.” This speaks of complete ruin and emptiness, a fitting end for someone who turned his back on God's own Son. It wasn't just about Judas's personal downfall, but a divine judgment on his betrayal.
Uninterrupted Divine Purpose
Then, he quotes Psalm 109:8: “Let another take his office.” This is crucial! Even though Judas’s betrayal brought desolation, God's work would continue. His 'office' – his role as an apostle – needed to be filled. This shows God's plan is bigger than any individual's failure. His purposes are carried forward by His choosing.
The word 'bishopric' sounds formal, almost like a church office today. But what did it mean for an apostle, and how does it connect to God's active oversight?
The word Peter uses for Judas's role, 'office' (or 'bishopric' in older translations), comes from a Greek word that means 'oversight' or 'charge.'
More Than Just a Title
This wasn't just a passive position. It was an active role of 'overseeing' or 'caring for' people, a sacred trust given by God. Think of it as a divine assignment, a responsibility to witness and serve alongside Jesus.
God's Active Hand
When the Psalm says 'let another take his office,' it's not just about filling a vacancy. It's about God continuing His active oversight ('episkope') in the world. The Holy Spirit is making sure that even after Judas's betrayal, God’s people have leaders who are watching over them, guiding them, and carrying out His mission.
Understand the original words
biblos psalmōn · Greek Noun phrase
A collection of sacred Hebrew songs and prayers inspired by the Holy Spirit, frequently cited in the New Testament as authoritative prophecy concerning the life, suffering, and exaltation of the Messiah.
episkopē · Greek Noun
A position of oversight, stewardship, or responsibility, specifically referring to a functional role or spiritual authority within the community of God's people.
Peter's application of these Psalms to Judas highlights how ancient Scripture was understood by early believers as foretelling specific events in the life of Christ and his followers, offering a lens through which to understand betrayal and divine justice.
c. 30 BC
Compilation of the Book of Psalms
The Book of Psalms, a collection of Hebrew lyric poems, was compiled. Many of these psalms were later interpreted by early Christians as prophetic of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and his suffering.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Betrayal and Death of Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, betrays Jesus, leading to his crucifixion. Judas then dies, leaving his apostolic office vacant.
c. 30 AD
Apostles Seek Replacement for Judas
Following Judas's death, Peter leads the remaining apostles in selecting a replacement from among Jesus's followers to restore the apostolic number to twelve.
c. 30 AD
Election of Matthias
Matthias is chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot, thus fulfilling the need for twelve apostles as the foundation of the new community.
This is one of the direct Old Testament sources quoted by Peter, showing the ancient prophetic basis for the judgment and replacement of Judas.
Psalm 69:25This is the other direct Old Testament source quoted by Peter, highlighting the desolation that would come upon those who betrayed God's chosen one.
Matthew 26:24This passage shows Jesus foretelling his betrayal, aligning with the prophetic pronouncements Peter uses about the consequences for the betrayer.
Acts 1:25This verse immediately follows, explaining the practical outcome of Judas's apostasy – the need to fill his apostolic 'office' with someone else chosen by God.
cambridgeActs 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."
20 . The passages quoted by St Peter are from Psalm 69:25 , where it is written “Let their habitation be desolate, and let none dwell in their tents;” and Psalm 109:8 , “Let his days be few, and let another take his office.” St Peter changes the plural of the former verse into the singular in his quotation, for David was speaking of many enemie…
barnesActs 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 it is written ... - See Psalm 69:25 . This is the prediction doubtless to which Peter refers in Acts 1:16 . The intermediate passage in Acts 1:18-19 , is probably a parenthesis; the words of Luke, not of Peter. So Calvin, Kuinoel, Olshausen, DeWette, and Hackett understand it. It is not probable that Peter would introduce a narrative like t…
What's really striking here is Peter's choice to quote two different Psalms to describe Judas's fate. One speaks of his dwelling place becoming empty, and the other of his "office" or "oversight" being taken by another, highlighting both the personal desolation and the continuation of God's work despite betrayal. This shows that Judas's end wasn't just a personal tragedy, but a fulfillment of God's plan, which would not be derailed by his actions.
Peter is explaining why they need to choose a replacement for Judas among the apostles. He uses Scripture from the Psalms to show that Judas's betrayal and death were not unexpected events but part of God's plan, demonstrating that his position as an apostle was lost forever and needed to be filled by another. This sets the stage for Matthias to be chosen to complete the apostolic team.
Peter is explaining why they need to choose a replacement for Judas among the apostles. He uses Scripture from the Psalms to show that Judas's betrayal and death were not unexpected events but part of God's plan, demonstrating that his position as an apostle was lost forever and needed to be filled by another. This sets the stage for Matthias to be chosen to complete the apostolic team.
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c. 70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple. This event is seen by some scholars as the ultimate fulfillment of the desolation prophesied in Psalm 69:25, applied to the Jewish nation.
"“For it is written in the Book of Psalms,
“‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;
and
“‘Let another take his office.’" — What's really striking here is Peter's choice to quote two different Psalms to describe Judas's fate. One speaks of his dwelling place becoming empty, and the other of his "office" or "oversight" bei…