16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’

and,

“‘May another take his place of leadership.’ Acts 1:16-20

Much has been written about the relationship between Judas and Jesus, and how Judas betrayed Jesus. Something we miss, though, is that the other eleven Apostles were also friends with Judas as well. For three years they walked and talked together. Judas also betrayed their trust.

So Peter stood up and addressed those in the Upper Room, at least 120 in total (and upwards of 500 depending on how they were counted). Peter instructed those listening to him about the importance of filling a void in their leadership ranks.

It’s unclear why a twelfth apostle was needed since there were at least 120-500 faithful followers of Christ present. What’s also unclear is how Peter was chosen to lead the group.

We will see Peter’s influence on the rest of the Disciples throughout the Book of Acts and into the letters to the Churches. So from Peter’s three denials on the night before Jesus’ crucifixion until we read about him here 40+ days later, Peter learned quite a bit. It’s no accident that the first formal speech he gave was about betrayal, a subject Peter knew about personally.

Peter’s time to lead had arrived. He repented of his denials and continued the work that would change the world.

God has worked in each one of you reading this. You have seen His hand in your life. He’s not finished with you yet, though the evil one wants you to think that.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8