A Share in the Ministry

The story in Acts 1:15–26 is often difficult to understand and easily left behind once the study of Acts gets underway. Nevertheless, last week I tried to explain why this story is a pivotal moment in the book. It reminds us that the apostles had been given a share, or lot (klaros), in the ministry. In this they were like the Levites, who had a share in the ministry but no share in the land of Israel (Num. 18:20).

That comparison is drawn out even further in Judas, who did the exact opposite of a Levitical priest. He exchanged his lot in the ministry of Christ for a plot of land. But it would not matter. His house would remain desolate. The comparison is pressed even further at the end of Acts 4, when a Levite named Barnabas sold his land and gave the profits to the church that he might have a share in the ministry of the church.

Again, this might be easily left behind if it weren’t for the fact that the Biblical authors take up the imagery of share or lot (klaros) in the New Testament. When Philip proclaimed the gospel in Samaria Simon the magician responded in faith, at least initially. But later Philip had to confront him saying, “You have neither part nor lot (klaros) in this matter, for your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:21). He did not have a share in the ministry of the church.

Or listen to how Paul relates to Agrippa his conversion experience. Paul told Agrippa that God told him, “I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place (klaros) among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18). Christians have a lot or share among those who are in Christ. Paul expressed this very thing to the churches of Colossae and Ephesus. To the Colossians he said in Colossians 1:12, [giving] thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share (klaros) in the inheritance of the saints in the light.” And to the Ephesians he said (Eph. 1:11), “In him we have obtained an inheritance (klaroo).”

Paul is not alone in using this expression. Peter also instructed elders of the church by telling them to take care how they shepherded the flock of God. They were to do so eagerly, “not domineering over those in your charge (klaros)” (I Peter 5:3). The church is identified as a lot over which an elder has charge.

All of these instances remind us that there is a connection between Acts 1:15–26 and the way Judas gave up his share in the ministry for a plot of land. The language of share, lot, and inheritance did not disappear after the apostles cast lots for Matthias. Rather, the church adopted this language to describe the inheritance that belongs to those who are in Christ. Judas exchanged his lot in the ministry for a piece of earthly land, but the church came to understand that its true lot was something far greater: a share in Christ and in the inheritance of the saints. The apostles had a share in the ministry; believers have a share in Christ. And unlike Judas’s field, this inheritance cannot be lost or left desolate.