THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - Chapter 1 - Verse 16

Verse 16. Men and brethren. This is a customary mode of address, implying affection and respect, Ac 13:26. The Syriac has it more appropriately than by the introduction of the conjunction "and"— "Men, our brethren."

This Scripture. This portion or prediction contained in the writings of the Old Testament. Scripture, writing. See Barnes "Joh 5:39".

The passage to which Peter refers is commonly supposed to be that recorded in Ps 41:9, "Yea, mine own familiar friend—hath lifted up his heel against me." This is expressly applied to Judas by our Saviour, in Joh 13:18. But it seems clear that the reference is not to the 41st Psalm, but to the passage which Peter proceeds to quote in Ac 1:20.

Must needs have been fulfilled. It would certainly happen that it would be fulfilled. Not that there was any physical necessity, or any compulsion; but it could not but occur that a prediction of God should be fulfilled. This makes no affirmation about the freedom of Judas in doing it. A man will be just as free in wickedness if it be foretold that he will be wicked, as if it had never been known to any other being.

The Holy Ghost, etc. This is a strong attestation to the inspiration of David, and accords with the uniform testimony of the New Testament, that the sacred writer spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pe 1:21.

Concerning Judas. In what respect this was concerning Judas, see Ac 1:20.

Which was guide, etc. Mt 26:47; Joh 18:3.

{c} "which the Holy Ghost" Ps 41:9; Joh 13:18 {d} "guide to them" Mt 26:47; Joh 18:3