Theme: The church organizes for mission and Christ prays that the ways of the world will not subvert that mission but that the Father would keep them in his grace.

COMMENTARY

Epistle: Acts 1:15-26
The post-resurrection church begins very small, some 120 souls. Once again, Peter takes the lead in filling the slot left by the bloody death of Judas. They selected two men who met the criteria: (1) They had witnessed the resurrected Jesus and they were in the company of Jesus' disciples since the baptism of John. They cast lots, a common Jewish practice, especially as it relates to the service schedule for the priests. Stones with the individual's name were placed into a jar. The one that fell out was held to be the chosen of God. Matthias won the draw and is never again heard from. Is it pos…