What does "shared in this ministry" teach about accountability in Christian service? Setting the Scene Acts 1:17: “For he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” Peter is speaking to about 120 believers after Judas’s betrayal and death. The disciples are about to choose a replacement apostle, underscoring how seriously they take the stewardship entrusted to them. Weighty Implications in the Words “Shared in This Ministry” • “He was one of our number” – Judas was fully counted among the Twelve, not an outsider. • “Shared” (Greek: ēlachēn klēron) – literally “received a lot,” echoing Old-Testament language for priestly assignments (cf. Numbers 18:20). Ministry is not self-appointed; it is God-apportioned. • “This ministry” – diakonia: active, hands-on service commissioned by Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). Accountability Lessons • Divine Appointment Brings Responsibility – Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” – Judas’s calling was directly from Jesus (Mark 3:13-19); his failure shows that position does not guarantee faithfulness. • Public Identification Magnifies Consequences – “One of our number” tells us that unfaithfulness harms the whole body (1 Corinthians 12:26). – The community feels the weight; they must now fill the vacancy (Acts 1:20-26). • Stewardship Requires Ongoing Integrity – 1 Corinthians 4:2: “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” – Judas managed the moneybag (John 12:6); mishandling led to greater sin. Small compromises open the door to larger betrayals. • Accountability Is Both Vertical and Horizontal – Vertical: ultimately to the Lord who assigned the lot (Romans 14:12). – Horizontal: the believing community discerns, corrects, and—if need be—replaces unfaithful servants (Matthew 18:15-17; Acts 1:24-26). • Failure Does Not Halt God’s Mission – Acts 1:25 indicates Judas “turned aside to go to his own place,” yet the ministry continues as Matthias is appointed. God’s work endures even when workers falter (2 Timothy 2:13). Takeaways for Today • Being “one of the number” is a privilege that comes with scrutiny; giftedness never substitutes for character. • Service is a sacred trust, not personal property—expect to answer for how you handle it. • Healthy churches address failure quickly and biblically, protecting the flock and the mission. • God’s purposes advance; our joy is to remain faithful partners rather than cautionary tales. |
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