Acts 1:12-20: a reflection

12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13When they had come in, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15In these days, Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said, 16“Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus. 17For he was counted with us, and received his portion in this ministry. 18Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness; and falling headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines gushed out. 19It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘The field of blood.’ 20For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his habitation be made desolate. Let no one dwell in it;’ and, ‘Let another take his office.’

After Jesus ascends, the disciples return to Jerusalem and gather in an upper room, and Luke tells us what they did while they waited for the promised Spirit: they all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. About a hundred and twenty believers, united in heart, devoting themselves to prayer. Before the great outpouring of Pentecost, there was this quiet season of waiting and praying together.

The passage also records Peter addressing the need to fill the place left by Judas, whose betrayal had ended in a tragic and terrible death. Peter sees even this sad chapter as part of Scripture's larger story, and the community moves forward to choose someone to take up the ministry Judas had abandoned. Even in the wake of betrayal and loss, the young church did not fracture or despair; it stayed together, kept praying, and prepared to move forward with the work God had given.

There is a model here for the church, and for you, in seasons of waiting. Before God acted at Pentecost, his people gathered in united, persistent prayer. When you are waiting on God, unsure of what comes next, the example of the early church is to devote yourself to prayer, together with others, in unity of heart. Do not let waiting become idle or anxious. Fill it, as they did, with steadfast prayer, trusting that the God who kept them together while they waited will act in his time.

Lord, while they waited for your Spirit, the disciples devoted themselves together to constant prayer, united in heart even after betrayal and loss. When I am waiting on you, unsure of what comes next, teach me to fill the waiting not with idleness or anxiety but with steadfast, united prayer. Keep me and your people together in prayer, trusting that you will act in your time, as you acted at Pentecost. Amen.