How can we ensure our leadership aligns with biblical principles from Acts 1:20? Setting the Scene Acts 1 records the fragile moment between Jesus’ ascension and Pentecost. With Judas gone, the fledgling community faced a leadership gap. Peter rises, cites Scripture, and says, “For 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 office’” (Acts 1:20). From that single verse we learn volumes about keeping leadership firmly tethered to God’s Word. Key Observations from Acts 1:20 • Scripture alone guides the decision (“it is written”). • Leadership is viewed as an “office” God establishes, not a personal possession. • Sin and unfaithfulness disqualify; vacant roles must be filled by the godly. • The quote meshes Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8, showing the whole Bible speaks with one voice. Core Biblical Principles for God-Honoring Leadership • Scripture First – Any appointment, removal, or policy must begin with open Bibles (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Holiness Matters – Judas’ fall proves moral failure cannot be ignored (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). • Offices Are God’s, Not Ours – Leaders are stewards (1 Corinthians 4:1-2); God alone assigns and removes (Daniel 2:21). • Qualified Replacements – Acts 1:21-22 lists clear criteria; Paul later echoes this in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. • Corporate Discernment – The whole assembly prayed and cast lots, seeking God’s choice (Acts 1:24-26). Putting These Principles into Practice Today • Build every search or nomination team around regular Bible reading and discussion. • Publicly teach the qualifications passages so the congregation knows the standard. • Require transparent moral accountability—annual reviews, peer confession, outside oversight. • Treat roles as temporary trusts; encourage term limits or sabbaticals to guard humility. • Refuse to overlook sin “for the sake of momentum”; address issues biblically and swiftly. • Saturate every step—identification, vetting, commissioning—in united prayer. Personal Checkpoints for Those Currently Leading • Am I guarding my life and doctrine equally? (1 Timothy 4:16) • Do those closest to me affirm that my home life mirrors my public ministry? (Titus 1:6) • Have I stayed accountable with money, power, and purity? (Acts 20:33-35) • Do I gladly submit to fellow elders and invite correction? (Proverbs 27:6) • If God removed me tomorrow, would the ministry stand or crumble around my personality? (1 Peter 5:2-4) When an assembly honors these straightforward, Spirit-breathed guidelines, its leadership remains clear, credible, and unmistakably biblical—just as Acts 1:20 models. |
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