Acts 1:17
New International Version
He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

New Living Translation
Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”

English Standard Version
For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”

Berean Standard Bible
He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”

Berean Literal Bible
For he was numbered with us, and was allotted a share of this ministry."

King James Bible
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

New King James Version
for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

New American Standard Bible
For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.”

NASB 1995
“For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.”

NASB 1977
“For he was counted among us, and received his portion in this ministry.”

Legacy Standard Bible
For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry.”

Amplified Bible
For he (Judas) was counted among us and received his share [by divine allotment] in this ministry.”

Christian Standard Bible
For he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For he was one of our number and was allotted a share in this ministry.”

American Standard Version
For he was numbered among us, and received his portion in this ministry.

English Revised Version
For he was numbered among us, and received his portion in this ministry.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He had been one of us and had been given an active role in this ministry.

Good News Translation
Judas was a member of our group, for he had been chosen to have a part in our work." (

International Standard Version
because he was one of our number and was appointed to share in this ministry."

NET Bible
for he was counted as one of us and received a share in this ministry."

New Heart English Bible
For he was numbered with us, and received his portion in this ministry.

Webster's Bible Translation
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Weymouth New Testament
For Judas was reckoned as one of our number, and a share in this ministry was allotted to him."
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”

World English Bible
For he was counted with us, and received his portion in this ministry.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because he was numbered among us, and received the share in this ministry.

Berean Literal Bible
For he was numbered with us, and was allotted a share of this ministry."

Young's Literal Translation
because he was numbered among us, and did receive the share in this ministration,

Smith's Literal Translation
For he was numbered with us, and obtained the lot of this service.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He had been numbered among us, and he was chosen by lot for this ministry.

New American Bible
He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry.

New Revised Standard Version
for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For he was numbered with us and had a lot # in this ministry.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Because he was numbered with us, and he had a part in this ministry.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for he was numbered with us, and had been appointed to this ministry.

Godbey New Testament
because he was numbered among us and received the lot of this ministry.

Haweis New Testament
For he was reckoned of our number, and had obtained an appointment to this ministry.

Mace New Testament
he was of our number, and shared in the functions of this ministry.

Weymouth New Testament
For Judas was reckoned as one of our number, and a share in this ministry was allotted to him."

Worrell New Testament
because he was numbered among us, and obtained the portion of this ministry.

Worsley New Testament
for he was numbered with us, and had obtained a part of this ministry.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Matthias Replaces Judas
16“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” 18(Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out.…

Cross References
Matthew 27:3-10
When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. ...

John 17:12
While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 109:8
May his days be few; may another take his position.

Zechariah 11:12-13
Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. / And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Mark 14:10-11
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Luke 22:3-6
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ...

John 6:70-71
Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” / He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.

John 13:18
I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’

John 13:21-30
After Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit and testified, “Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.” / The disciples looked at one another, perplexed as to which of them He meant. / One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side. ...

Matthew 10:4
Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

Mark 3:19
and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

Luke 6:16
Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.


Treasury of Scripture

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

he.

Matthew 10:4
Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Mark 3:19
And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

Luke 6:16
And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

this.

Acts 1:25
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

Acts 12:25
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Jump to Previous
Allotted Amongst Counted Judas Ministration Ministry Numbered Obtained Part Portion Receive Received Reckoned Service Share Shared Work
Jump to Next
Allotted Amongst Counted Judas Ministration Ministry Numbered Obtained Part Portion Receive Received Reckoned Service Share Shared Work
Acts 1
1. Christ, preparing his apostles to the beholding of his ascension, .
4. gathers them together unto the Mount of Olives,
6. commands them to expect in Jerusalem the sending down of the Holy Spirit,
9. and ascends into heaven in their sight
10. After his ascension they are warned by two angels to depart, and to set their minds upon his second coming.
12. They accordingly return, and, giving themselves to prayer,
23. choose Matthias apostle in the place of Judas.














He was one of our number
This phrase refers to Judas Iscariot, who was one of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. The selection of the twelve apostles is significant as it mirrors the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing a new covenant community. Judas's inclusion among the apostles highlights the theme of betrayal and the fulfillment of prophecy, as seen in Psalm 41:9, which foreshadows the betrayal by a close friend. His role among the apostles underscores the reality of human free will and the presence of sin even within the chosen group.

and shared in this ministry.
Judas participated in the ministry of Jesus, which included preaching, healing, and performing miracles. This involvement emphasizes the gravity of his betrayal, as he was not an outsider but an integral part of Jesus' mission. The term "ministry" here refers to the service and work of spreading the Gospel, a task entrusted to the apostles. Judas's participation in this ministry serves as a warning about the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of genuine faith. His actions ultimately fulfilled the Scriptures, as seen in Zechariah 11:12-13, which prophesies the betrayal for thirty pieces of silver. Judas's story is a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and integrity in one's spiritual walk.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Judas Iscariot
One of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. He is known for betraying Jesus, which led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Acts 1:17 refers to Judas as having been part of the apostolic ministry.

2. The Apostles
The group of twelve men chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and to spread His teachings. They were witnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

3. The Early Church
The community of believers in Jesus Christ that began to form after His resurrection and ascension. The apostles played a crucial role in establishing and leading this early church.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the apostles were gathered and where the events of Acts 1 take place. It is significant as the location of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

5. The Ministry
Refers to the work and mission that Jesus entrusted to His apostles, which included preaching the Gospel, teaching, healing, and establishing the church.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Betrayal in Ministry
Even among those closest to Jesus, betrayal was present. This serves as a reminder that human frailty and sin can infiltrate even the most sacred spaces. Believers should remain vigilant and prayerful in their ministries.

The Sovereignty of God in Redemption
Despite Judas' betrayal, God's redemptive plan was not thwarted. This demonstrates God's sovereignty and ability to work through human actions, even those meant for harm, to fulfill His purposes.

The Importance of Faithfulness
Judas' failure contrasts with the faithfulness required of those in ministry. Believers are called to remain steadfast and true to their calling, understanding the weight and responsibility of their role.

The Necessity of Community and Accountability
The early church's response to Judas' betrayal was to seek a replacement, highlighting the importance of community and accountability in maintaining the mission of the church.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Acts 1:17?

2. How does Acts 1:17 illustrate God's sovereignty in choosing leaders?

3. What lessons can we learn from Judas' role in Acts 1:17?

4. How does Acts 1:17 connect with Old Testament prophecies about betrayal?

5. How can we ensure faithfulness in our roles, unlike Judas in Acts 1:17?

6. What does "shared in this ministry" teach about accountability in Christian service?

7. What does Acts 1:17 reveal about Judas' role among the apostles?

8. How does Acts 1:17 challenge the concept of predestination?

9. Why was Judas chosen if his betrayal was foreknown?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 1?

11. What distinguishes an Associate Pastor from an Assistant Pastor?

12. How do teaching and senior pastors differ?

13. What are the key events in Silas's biblical life?

14. Why would Acts 14:27 assert God 'opened a door of faith to the Gentiles' when earlier passages (e.g., Acts 10) already describe Gentile inclusion?
What Does Acts 1:17 Mean
He was

Peter speaks plainly about Judas Iscariot: “For he was counted among us…” (Acts 1:17).

• This reminds us that Judas was a real, historical person, not a symbol or myth (Acts 1:16).

• Jesus Himself chose Judas after a night of prayer (Luke 6:12-16).

• The Lord even sent him out with power to heal and cast out demons (Mark 6:7-13).

God’s Word is underscoring that betrayal came from someone who truly walked with Christ, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier warning: “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil” (John 6:70-71).


One of our number

“…one of our number…” (Acts 1:17) stresses belonging.

• Judas shared meals, miracles, conversations, and intimate fellowship with the other apostles (John 13:18; Matthew 10:1-4).

• His place among them fulfills Psalm 41:9—“Even my close friend…has lifted up his heel against me.”

• The phrase shows the early church’s honesty; they did not hide the shame of betrayal but testified to Scripture’s reliability.


Shared in this ministry

“…and shared in this ministry” (Acts 1:17).

• Judas handled money for the group (John 12:6) and preached the kingdom (Luke 9:1-2).

• Service did not guarantee salvation; Jesus later prayed, “None has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled” (John 17:12).

• God turned even Judas’s treachery into a stage for redemption (Acts 1:20; Romans 8:28).

• The apostles will soon seek Matthias “to take over this apostolic ministry” Judas abandoned (Acts 1:25), showing that God’s work continues despite human failure.


summary

Acts 1:17 reminds us that Judas was genuinely chosen, fully included, and actively serving—yet his heart remained unchanged. Scripture’s candor warns believers to guard their own hearts while assuring us that God’s sovereign plan never falters.

(17) For he was numbered with us.--Literally, he had been numbered.

Had obtained part of this ministry.--Better, the portion, or inheritance. The Greek has the article, and the noun (cleros) is one which afterwards acquired a special half-technical sense in the words, clerus, clericus, "clerk," "clergy." In 1Peter 5:3, as being "lords over the heritage," we find it in a transition sense. (See Note on Acts 1:25.)

Verse 17. - Among for with, A.V. ; received his portion in for had obtained part of, A.V. For he was numbered, etc. This is said in order to show that the passage in the Psalms applied strictly to Judas, seeing he had held his portion in the ministry and office of an apostle (see John 6:71). His portion; literally, his lot; i.e. the portion which fell to him by lot. The language is taken from the Old Testament (see e.g. Joshua 18:10, 11; Joshua 19:1, 10, etc.). Those who received such a portion (κλῆρον) were clergy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
He was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

one of
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

our
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

number
κατηριθμημένος (katērithmēmenos)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2674: To number among, count with. From kata and arithmeo; to reckon among.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

was allotted
ἔλαχεν (elachen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2975: A prolonged form of a primary verb, which is only used as an alternate in certain tenses; to lot, i.e. Determine especially by lot.

a share
κλῆρον (klēron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2819: (a) a lot, (b) a portion assigned; hence: a portion of the people of God assigned to one's care, a congregation.

in this
ταύτης (tautēs)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

ministry.”
διακονίας (diakonias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248: Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.


Links
Acts 1:17 NIV
Acts 1:17 NLT
Acts 1:17 ESV
Acts 1:17 NASB
Acts 1:17 KJV

Acts 1:17 BibleApps.com
Acts 1:17 Biblia Paralela
Acts 1:17 Chinese Bible
Acts 1:17 French Bible
Acts 1:17 Catholic Bible

NT Apostles: Acts 1:17 For he was numbered with us (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 1:16
Top of Page
Top of Page