Acts 1:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 1:20 mean?

Acts 1:20 explains that Judas’s place among the apostles must be left empty and someone else should take over his responsibilities, quoting from the Psalms to show this was foretold. The verse uses the language of Scripture to justify replacing Judas after his betrayal and death.

Peter is speaking to the gathered believers in Jerusalem after Jesus’s ascension, explaining why they need to choose a new apostle. He quotes from the book of Psalms to show that Judas’s betrayal and the need for his replacement were anticipated in Scripture, connecting the early church’s actions to God’s plan as revealed in the Old Testament.

The Greek behind Acts 1:20

• The word "bishoprick" comes from ἐπισκοπή (episkopē), which means oversight or office of supervision. In this context, it refers to the special role or responsibility Judas held among the apostles, not a formal church office as understood later.
• The phrase "let another take" uses the Greek word λάβω (labō), meaning to receive or take up. This shows that the role is not simply abandoned but is meant to be actively filled by someone else.
• The word "habitation" is ἔπαυλις (epaulīs), meaning a dwelling place or home. The verse says this place will be deserted, emphasizing the consequences of Judas’s actions.

Why Acts 1:20 matters

• Acts 1:20 clarifies that the replacement of Judas was not just a practical decision but was rooted in Scripture, giving the early church confidence and unity in their actions.
• The verse highlights the seriousness of Judas’s betrayal by describing his place as desolate, showing the cost of turning away from his calling.
• By connecting the apostles’ actions to the Psalms, Acts 1:20 helps readers see how the early Christians understood their story as a continuation of God’s work in the Old Testament.