King James Version

What Does Acts 1:25 Mean?

Acts 1:25 in the King James Version says “That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 1:25 · KJV


Context

23

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

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.

26

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The apostolic office's purpose - 'this ministry and apostleship' - was service, not privilege. Judas fell 'by transgression' to go 'to his own place' - a solemn euphemism for perdition. His departure created vacancy requiring divine filling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'his own place' (Greek idios topos) suggests each person's destiny corresponds to their character and choices. Judas chose his path through persistent rejection of Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does ministry as 'service' rather than position teach about Christian leadership?
  2. How does 'his own place' inform your understanding of final judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
λαβεῖν1 of 18

That he may take

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸν2 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κλῆρον3 of 18

part

G2819

a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively)

τῆς4 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διακονίας5 of 18

ministry

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

ταύτης6 of 18
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

καὶ7 of 18

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀποστολῆς8 of 18

apostleship

G651

commission, i.e., (specially) apostolate

ἐξ9 of 18

from

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἧς10 of 18

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

παρέβη11 of 18

by transgression fell

G3845

to go contrary to, i.e., violate a command

Ἰούδας12 of 18

Judas

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

πορευθῆναι13 of 18

that he might go

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἰς14 of 18

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν15 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τόπον16 of 18

place

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

τὸν17 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἴδιον18 of 18

his own

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 1:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 1:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study