First Lesson: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26

Theme: Apostolic continuity

Exegetical note
Luke here recounts the selection of a replacement for Judas from among the disciples who had been with Jesus throughout his ministry. Notable here are (1) the need, perceived either by Peter or the author, to maintain the symbolic number of twelve; and (2) the dependence on the divine will rather than human choice in the final decision.

Call to Worship
Leader: Christians, we stand today at the end of a long succession of disciples that extends back to the first Apostles!
People: AS DISCIPLES HAVE PASSED FROM THE SCENE, THERE HAVE BEEN OTHERS TO TAKE THEIR PLACES.
Leader: Some, like Judas, left by betrayal; others, like Peter, were lost to martyrdom.
People: IN EVERY CASE, HOWEVER, GOD HAS RAISED UP GOOD MEN AN…