Acts 1:20
“For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his habitation be made desolate. Let no one dwell therein;’ and, ‘Let another take his office.’”
What does Acts 1:20 mean?
Peter is quoting the Psalms to explain why the disciples need to replace Judas, who betrayed Jesus and then died. These ancient words about abandonment and replacement fit what happened: Judas's position as an apostle had become vacant and needed to be filled by someone else. The disciples saw their situation reflected in Scripture, which gave them confidence that choosing a new apostle was the right thing to do. This reminds us that even in confusion or grief, we can find direction when we look to God's word and see how it speaks to what we're actually experiencing.