Acts 1: 12-26 Introduction to Church
1: 12-14 Entry of the New Testament Church
1: 15-20 Enrol of the Members into Church
1: 21-26 Election in Early Church
Acts 1: 12-14 Entry of the New Testament Church
Now we read here about the entry of the New Testament church, and they met in a house at Jerusalem. Their first Location of witness begins at Jerusalem as per verse 8. The upper room in Jerusalem accommodated all apostles minus Judas, and they remain in prayer along with the women and Mary the Mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. The first redeemed community had first place for prayers, corporate prayers, and personal prayers. Men and women were treated equally in the Kingdom of God. We notice that the brothers and sisters of Christ have become believers after the resurrection of Christ. They joined the band of believers. They later became martyrs and leaders of the New Testament Church.
Acts 1: 15-20 Enrol of the Members into Church
There were 120 of them had taken into account of the events leading to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The sufferings and crucifixion of Jesus Christ have distorted them due to fear and distress. Their loss of leader was a great shock. But the resurrection and appearances of Christ as we all had experienced made them emerge out victoriously and have seen the power of God. The church administration always has a struggle with true and hypocrite believers. Believers are having a problem with pseudo disciples. However, the Kingdom of God ever moves ahead with the grace of God. The enrolment of membership on the Church register is valid only if the same name has registered in the Book of Life.
Acts 1: 21-26 Election in Early Church
The first-century infant Church had to face the first election after the death of Judas. The proposed names have been taken into consideration and discussed the qualifications for the selected post. Then nominated two, namely Barsabbas and Matthias. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. The casting of lots is equivalent to the casting of votes of our days. But they could not have gone to the pattern of the present-day church. Presently the Church election in most of the denominations has come as unpleasant exercise. Many feel the election has to the ungodly ways and manners in the guise of democracy.
Matthias has elected to represent the place of Judas. God never stops his mission because someone has become unfaithful. It is God’s mission and his bride. The ministry will go on, and Missions will have no end till the Lord return to the Earth. Every election process has to be utilized meaningfully in a just and right manner. The national politics and Church elections have to equally and responsibly treated. We need to exercise the voting rights without compromise.
Discussions:
1. Keyword in this passage which has attracted you.
2. Lessons from suicidal death of Judah.
3. Election among Christians: Positive and negative impacts on the Church and Organisations.
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