of the gathering at Jerusalem in Acts 2:5,6. Yet in spite of the dissimilarity of subject, upon comparison two

parallels are discovered. The fate of Judas, we learn, was known to `all the dwellers at Jerusalem', the Greek word

used being katoikousin (Acts 1:19). The same word is used in Acts 2:5, `There were dwelling at Jerusalem'

(katoikountes). Moreover Peter says that the field that Judas purchased was called Aceldama `in their proper

tongue', which in the Greek reads te idia dialekto. Exactly the same words are used by the dwellers at Jerusalem in

Acts 2:6 when they said, `Every man heard them speak in his own language' (te idia dialekto). Further, we note that

where chapter 1:15 says that the gathering was `together', and in chapter 2:1 `in one place', the identical Greek

phrase (epi to auto) is used `upon the same thing'. We have therefore before us enough material fully to justify the

oneness of the section before us. Let us put the pieces together.

A 1:15,16. a In those days.

b The 120.

c Together (epi to auto).

d The Holy Ghost

(To pneuma To hagion).

e Spake by the mouth of David.

f  Dwellers at Jerusalem (katoikeo).

B 1:17-19.

g In their proper tongue

(Te idia dialekto auton).

C 1:20-26. The appointment of Matthias. The 12 Apostles.

a The day of Pentecost.

b All (i.e., the twelve).

c In one place (epi to auto).

d Holy Ghost (pneuma hagion).

e Began to speak.

f  Dwellers at Jerusalem (katoikeo)

g In his own language

(Te idia dialekto auton).

C 2:9-13.  The representative nations.

The twelve Countries.

While we may give assent to the evidence of our eyes and agree that there is a verbal connection between the

passages, it may not be very evident wherein the deeper connection thus indicated consists. Let us therefore look

further. It is very evident that the apostle Peter and those who gathered with him realized that the gap in the number

of the apostles occasioned by the fall of Judas was a matter for immediate concern. Of all things that it might have

been expected would claim consideration and prayer consequent upon the Ascension of the Lord, the last to enter

our unassisted minds would have been the matter of Judas and his successor. Not so the apostles. They were to

tarry at Jerusalem and once more preach the kingdom. Should Israel repent and the kingdom be set up, the Lord

would fulfil His promise that the twelve apostles should sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

While, however, the number of the apostles was incomplete it could not be said, `all things are ready' (Matt. 22:4),

therefore we can appreciate the fact that the apostles were rightly concerned about this matter.

The Jews gathered at Jerusalem to keep the feast were not, so far as is revealed, representative of the complete

twelve tribes: all that is said is that they were gathered from the surrounding nations, and an examination reveals that

the number of the nations was twelve. That is sufficient for the purpose: the link between Acts 1 and 2 is made

evident, and the theme of this section, the restoration of Israel is advanced. Whether Israel would repent and the

kingdom be set up at that time, none of the apostles knew. It was not for them to know times and seasons. They

were witnesses, and fully equipped for their work.