Acts 1:24
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀνάδειξον
men shew
G322
ἀνάδειξον
men shew
Strong's:
G322
Word #:
8 of 15
to exhibit, i.e., (by implication) to indicate, appoint
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Acts 15:8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Acts 6:6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.Romans 8:27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Historical Context
This prayer preceded choosing Matthias to replace Judas, restoring the apostolic twelve. The practice of casting lots (Acts 1:26) was common in Judaism but notably absent in later church decisions after Pentecost, suggesting Spirit guidance replaced external methods.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you seek God's wisdom when making important leadership decisions?
- What role should prayer play in church governance and appointment of leaders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The appeal to God as 'heart-knower' (Greek 'kardiognostes') acknowledges that leadership selection requires divine insight beyond human perception. This prayer demonstrates the early church's submission to God's sovereignty in decision-making, refusing to trust human wisdom alone for apostolic appointment.