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 mouth of David.

B | 1: 17-19. | f | Dwellers at Jerusalem (katoikeo).

g | In their proper tongue (Te idia dialekto auton).

C | 1: 20-26. The appointment of Matthias.

The 12 Apostles.

A | 2: 1-4. | a | The day of Pentecost.

b | All (i.e., the 12).

c | In one place (epi to auto).

d | Holy Ghost (pneuma hagion).

e | Began to speak.

B | 2: 5-8. | f | Dwellers at Jerusalem (katoikeo).

g | In his own language (Te idia dialekto auton).

C | 2: 9-13. The representative nations.

The 12 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.

But in spite of the evident fitness of these two sections, there are those who maintain

that Matthias was not appointed by God but by man, and that Peter and the rest were

prompted by a zeal that was not according to knowledge.  The matter is of great