Lesson 1:  Matthias, Barsabas, Those Converted                                             On Pentecost (Acts 2 & 3)

Introduction:  Jesus commanded his disciples to "tarry in the city of 
Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" (Lk. 24:49).  
After the Lord's ascension they returned to Jerusalem, and they 
"continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women 
and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers" (Acts 1:14).  
While they waited, they selected someone to take the place of Judas.  

I.  A New Apostle Chosen (Acts 1:15-26)
    A. Peter spoke concerning Judas.
      1. Judas became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.
      2. He obtained a part in their ministry.
      3. Judas died.
      4. "The Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning 
	 Judas" (Acts 1:16).
	 a. "Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live 
	     in it" (Acts 1:20; Ps. 69:25).  This prophecy is not of 
	     "Judas alone, but of the enemies of the Messiah in 
	     general, of which Judas was one" (Barnes).
	 b. "Let another take his office" (Acts 1:20; Ps. 109:8).  In 
	    this 
	    psalm, David is saying that his enemy is unworthy of his 
	    office and that it should be given to another.  The 
	    application by Peter was that Judas was unworthy of his 
	    office, and that it should be given to another.
    B. One was selected  to replace Judas.
       1. Qualifications:
	  a. A man
	  b. One who accompanied the other apostles "all the time 
	     that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning 
	     from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken 
	     up from us" (Acts 1:21, 22)
	  c. A witness of the resurrection of Jesus
       2. Candidates:
	  a.  Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus
	  b.  Matthias
       3. Selection:
	  a. Prayer: "And they prayed and said, 'You, O Lord, who 
	     know the hearts of all, show which of these two You 
	     have chosen to take part in this ministry and 
	     apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, 
	     that he might go to his own place'"  (Acts 1:24, 25).
	  b. They cast lots.
	  c. The lot fell on Matthias.  This was whom the Lord 
	     selected.

Principles:
1. Scripture must be fulfilled.
2. The enemies of Christ have no part with Him.
3. Witnesses to the resurrection were essential.


II. Those Converted On The Day Of Pentecost (Acts 2)
    A. Description (Acts 2:5, 8-11)
       1. They were dwelling in Jerusalem.
       2. They were Jews.
       3. They were devout.
       4. They were from every nation under heaven.
    B. The reaction of the multitude when they heard the apostles 
       speaking in their own languages:  
       1. Confused
       2. Amazed 
       3. Marveled 
       4. Perplexed
       5. Some mocked.
    C. The reaction of the multitude when they heard Peter's sermon:
       1. They were cut to the heart (2:36).
       2. They asked, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
       3. About 3000 souls gladly received the word and were 
	  baptized (2:41).
       4. "They continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and 
	  fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers"
	  (2:42).
       5. They feared because of the wonders and signs performed 
	  by the apostles (2:43).
       6. They "had all things in common, and sold their 
	  possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as 
	  anyone had need" (2:44, 45).
       7. They continued daily with one accord (2:46).
       8. They praised God (2:47).

Principles:
1. People react differently to the gospel.
2. Christianity requires continuing to do God's will.
3. Circumstances may require one to sell possessions.
4. God desires unity among believers (Jn. 17:20, 21).
5. Reflection on God's blessings evokes praise.        


Questions:

1. Why were the apostles in Jerusalem?
2. How does Luke's account of Judas' death in Acts 1:18-19 compare 
   to Matthew's (Mt. 27:5-8)?
3. What did Peter mean when he said the Holy Spirit spoke by David 
   (Acts 1:16)?
4. There were many women disciples; why was a man selected to take 
   Judas' place?
5. What were the qualifications of an apostle?  Why were these 
   important?
6. Does the selection of Mathias imply that there was something 
   wrong? 
7. Discuss the subject of casting lots considering the following 
   scriptures: 1 Chron. 24:5; Num. 26:55; 1 Sam. 14:41, 42; 
   Josh. 7:16-18; Prov. 16:33.
8. Does the example of casting lots in the selection of Judas 
   authorize the use of voting to make decisions in the church 
   (i.e., the selection of elders)?
9. How do people react toward the gospel today?
10. Are Christians required to sell their possessions and have 
    all things in common with their brethren?
11. What made it possible for the Christians converted on 
    Pentecost to be united?