Acts Chapter 1 · Verse 17
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 12
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
4 of 12
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔλαχεν
had obtained
G2975
ἔλαχεν
had obtained
Strong's:
G2975
Word #:
7 of 12
to lot, i.e., determine (by implication, receive) especially by lot
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κλῆρον
part
G2819
κλῆρον
part
Strong's:
G2819
Word #:
9 of 12
a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 1:25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.Acts 21:19And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.Mark 3:19And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.John 17:12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Historical Context
Judas served as treasurer (John 12:6) and participated in Jesus' ministry for three years. His fall demonstrates that outward association with Christ doesn't guarantee genuine faith.
Questions for Reflection
- What warning does Judas' fall provide for those in positions of spiritual leadership?
- How do you guard against the possibility of apostasy despite genuine ministry involvement?
Analysis & Commentary
Judas 'was numbered with us' emphasizes the tragedy of his apostasy - he had genuine apostolic calling yet chose destruction. The phrase 'obtained part of this ministry' uses lot-casting language (kleros), suggesting divine appointment he later forfeited. This serves as warning against presuming upon spiritual privilege.