Acts 1:25

What does Acts 1:25 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 1:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 1:25 means

The heart of their prayer was for God to indicate which of the two chosen men was destined to take the "place in this ministry and apostleship" that Judas had abandoned. They acknowledged Judas's fall from this sacred office and his subsequent departure "to his own place," a poignant and grim reference to his eternal destiny as a betrayer. This prayer demonstrates their understanding of the apostolic calling as a divinely appointed responsibility.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To take that position as a servant and Apostle, from which Judas by his sin was shut out, so that he might go to his place.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

to receive the share of this ministration and apostleship, from which Judas, by transgression, did fall, to go on to his proper place;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas hath by transgression fallen, that he might go to his own place.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

to receive the lot of this service and apostleship, from which Judas transgressing fell to go to his own place.

Context

This verse further explains the content of the prayer initiated in verse 24, specifying the purpose of the new apostle: to fill the precise "ministry and apostleship" left vacant by Judas. The somber reference to Judas going "to his own place" reinforces the gravity of his fall and the need to restore the apostolic office. This plea for divine direction leads directly to the method of selection.

v.24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show of these two the one whom thou hast chosen,

v.25This passage

v.26And they gave lots for them; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 2:3

    And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not.

  • Matthew 25:41

    Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:

  • John 6:70

    Jesus answered them, Did not I choose you the twelve, and one of you is a devil?

  • Romans 1:5

    through whom we received grace and apostleship, unto obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake;

  • Galatians 2:8

    (for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles);

  • John 17:12

    While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

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