Acts 2:42-47 ESV

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved

THE CHURCH IN UNITY

The unity of the early church was quite evident. They are being unified in their beliefs, as they all receive teaching from the apostles. They spent an ample time for meals together, sharing everything they own (Acts 4:32–37). Whether "the breaking of bread" refers to the Lord's Supper or to communal meals isn’t so clear today. However, the first loaf of bread that is broken and shared at the beginning of a Jewish meal. Verse 46 suggests full meals were included.

Also, their continual prayer unites them before God as they present their needs. Likewise, it's unclear if "the prayers" means the fellowship prayed regularly [as in Acts 1:14] or the more formal schedule of Jewish prayers [as in Acts 3:1] Considering the early church members lived together and shared everything in common, it's reasonable to assume it refers to all of the above.

The minute details of the early church in Jerusalem were unique to this time and place. More and more were being saved every day (Acts 2:47). Many of these people had come to Jerusalem for Pentecost—they don't live in Jerusalem so that theyhave no home or source for living here (Acts 2:9–11). They need to know the basics before they should return home or are driven out by persecutions (Acts 8:1). Where should they stay? The brethren living in Jerusalem had accommodated them (Acts 2:45).

Whatever the church looks like today, it is still called to have the same heart as the first church in Jerusalem. It’s the same mandate from God for churches today to be united despite diversity. We have received different spiritual gifts, yet we are called to serve each other in the church. As Paul says, "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:2–3). John has expressed that withholding support from a brother in need is unloving (1 John 3:17). James also warned against giving lip-service to others' needs without practically actualizing it (Jas 2:15–16). And Paul pointed out that any giving we do should be voluntary and cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7). That's easier to do when we’re controlled by the Spirit, who could prompt us to love the brethren in need.

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Acts 2:41-43 ESV

41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

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41 Kaya't ang mga tumanggap ng kanyang salita ay binautismuhan at nadagdag nang araw na iyon ang may tatlong libong kaluluwa. 42 Nanatili silang matibay sa turo ng mga apostol at sa pagsasama-sama, sa pagpuputul-putol ng tinapay at sa mga pananalangin. 43 Dumating ang takot sa bawat tao at maraming kababalaghan at tanda ang nangyari sa pamamagitan ng mga apostol.

MANY SOULS WERE ADDED INTO THE CHURCH

Peter, in his inaugural preaching, was used by God greatly so that three thousand souls believed Jesus and got saved. It was no short of a miracle. It’s only explanation was the movement of the Spirit. [Acts 1:8, Zech 4:6]

As a testimony to their faith, they obeyed to the ordinance of water baptism. Baptism is as a wedding ring. That when a person wears it, he publicly declares that he is identified with a wife through the covenant of marriage. He is still married even though he won’t wear the ring, is he not? Should you are a truly born again believer, you should obey the ordinance of baptism in fulfilment to the great commission.[Matt 28:19,20]

Baptism will be done to those who truly believed only. It’s the cart after the horse, that is, salvation. Thus, we may say this is a believer’s baptism. The believer’s willingness to be baptized is one of the best ways to confirm his genuine conversion. This is the first step of an obedient disciple.

These early believers are baptized right upon their conversion. Over the course of history, as more false teaching assaulted the church, training has been done before baptism. This is to ensure that people understand their faith before publicly committing to it. Once someone claims to be saved and has demonstrated they understand what salvation is and the purpose of baptism, there's no theological reason to wait for so long. Baptism is not required for salvation, is it? It should be performed as soon after conversion is examined and ascertained. If a core group of 120 believers had baptized three thousand converts, our churches baptism culture does not need be too complex.

Amazingly, in just a matter of hours, the infant church of Jerusalem has grown from 120 (Acts 1:15) to three thousand. And immediately, “they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” That is, they were trained right away to grow in their faith. They were a group of believers who were continually awed of God for He made a lot of wonders and signs through the apostles.

Previously, Jesus had told His disciples that the souls as are ripe wheat ready to be harvested (Mat 9:37–38). Did He not tell them that they would do greater works than Him? (John 14:12). Definitely, it was not in power but in scope. This was the start of the influx of believers. For God did add "to their number day by day those who [are] being saved" (Acts 2:47).

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Acts 2:36-41 ESV

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

BROTHERS, WHAT SHALL WE DO?

Having heard of the gospel from Peter, they were ‘cut to the heart.’ Peter preached Jesus, specially His crucifixion, death and resurrection, nothing else and nothing less. As a result, the people were hurt and asked, “Brothers, what must we do to be saved?” For the first time, they were made aware and had acknowledged their sin. This conviction is a work of the Spirit.[John 16:7-9]

A sincere request led to Peter’s challenging them to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. It is the same as that given by John, but the addition of Jesus' name is new, which marks the fulfillment of John's prophecy (Luke 3:16).

To "repent" is from the Greek root word metanoeo. It means to completely change one's paradigm, to admit error and accept the truth. In the bible, it means to accept the viewpoint of God about the world, Jesus, and oneself, and act accordingly. In other words, Peter called the Jews to admit they were wrong, to accept God's correct view of things, and trust that Jesus has paid for their sins.

And, they would show their faith by their obedience in baptism. Baptism should not be confused as a requirement for salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone (Eph 2:8–9) Our faith in Christ makes us a genuine believer just as a professional basketball player is made a teammate by signing a contract. Baptism, however is like the uniform. It is just an outward or a public sign.

Faith in Christ should result to forgiveness and the indwelling of the Spirit. And this promise is ‘for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.’ Indeed, Jesus' offer of salvation was always meant to be offered to the Jews first, but, equally, it was always meant to be offered to the Gentiles as well (Rom 1:16).

Genuine salvation would result in a godly lifestyle. As Peter had implied, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” In fact, Paul had admonished true believers, that they should be “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” [see Phil 2:15]

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Acts 2:29-35 ESV

29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at my right hand,

35 until I make your enemies your footstool.”

JESUS IS THE LORD OF DAVID

Peter reminded the Jews that the great King David had died and his tomb had existed. However, he has had a covenant with God that his throne would perpetuate. This means a descendant will assume the throne forever. And He is Christ. Thus Peter said, “He foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.”

God's oath to David is known as the "Davidic Covenant" (2 Sam 7:1–17; 1 Chron 17:11–14; Psalm 132:11). That God has said, "your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever" (2 Sam 7:16). This is not a bilateral covenant, like the contract God made with Israel and their kings that if they obeyed Him, He would bless them (Deut 11:26–27). This is a unilateral covenant, like the one God made to Abraham, that Abraham's descendants would become a great nation (Gen 12:1–3) and inherit a large territory (Gen 15:18–21). There was nothing for Abraham and David to do to ensure God would fulfill His promises to them (2 Chron 6:16). It’s based on the sovereign decree of God alone.

Thus as a prophet, David exclaimed,

“The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

He called his son His Lord may appear weird. But, just as Mary called Jesus her Savior, David recognized the Messiah Jesus as his Lord. Jesus, who is descended from David both legally through Joseph (Matthew 1:6–16) and biologically through Mary (Luke 3:23–328), is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to David. Jesus' place on the throne has been subject to much debate over the centuries. Suffice to say, however, that Jesus now is reigning in the hearts of His followers, is He not? Is He your Lord also as David has expressed? During the millennial kingdom, He will reign in Jerusalem. And He will reign ultimately in eternity.

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Acts 2:22-28 ESV

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,

“‘I saw the Lord always before me,

for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;

26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;

my flesh also will dwell in hope.

27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,

or let your Holy One see corruption.

28 You have made known to me the paths of life;

you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

JESUS OF NAZARETH

Peter, as he continued to preach, explained who is this Jesus of Nazareth was. This was his summary of the life and works of Jesus. Firstly, he narrated to them that He is genuine as to His claims because of the many wonderful works and miracles that He did. And that, Jesus is the Son of God. The Jews had witnessed these so that they couldn’t deny.

Secondly, Jesus has died under the hands of lawless men. Yet, it was not them but God who ‘delivered Jesus up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God to be crucified and killed.” Thus, it was planned before the ages when the death by crucifixion wasn’t invented yet. Jeremiah and Isaiah’s prophecies had outlined His sufferings by crucifixion. Jesus was slain before the foundation of the world.[Rev 13:8] therefore, His death wasn’t incidental.

Lastly, Jesus rose from death. It is impossible for death to hold Him. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. He rose to conquer sin, death and hell. This victory had caused Peter quote David’s psalm [Psalm 16”8-11] having been fulfilled. David , having seen this has resolved not to be shaken, to be glad and rejoice. And as a messianic psalm, Jesus won’t be abandoned to Hades, or let Him see corruption.

Today, do you believe and hope in Christ as David did? Do you have the same confidence that you won’t be shaken, have hope and gladness in your heart?

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Acts 2:14-21 ESV

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,

that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,

and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

and your young men shall see visions,

and your old men shall dream dreams;

18 even on my male servants and female servants

in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above

and signs on the earth below,

blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;

20 the sun shall be turned to darkness

and the moon to blood,

before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.

21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”

I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT

Peter, the leader of the disciples, stood to answer their accusations. The question floating around the crowd was "What does this mean?" (Acts 2:12) What they saw was the start of the fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy. That God will pour His Spirit unto all men, meaning, it would be the Spirit’s work as the church age began.

Joel was a prophet in Judah around 835 to 800 BC. His prophecies covered events that are both immediate to his time, including the devastation wrought by a horde of locusts, and also a future event, that is, the beginning years of the church and the end times.

In the time of Joel, a huge swarm of locusts destroyed the crops, leaving Judah in famine (Joel 1:1–12). Joel likened the locusts to God's wrath that would fall on His people if they didn't repent (Joel 1:13–20). If they did repent, God would have pity on them (Joel 2:18–27). As a sign of His reconciliation with His people, He would send the Holy Spirit so that the people would prophesy and see visions (Joel 2:28–29). But not everyone would return to God; those who refused God would still see His judgment (Joel 2:30–31)

As a typical symbolical book of prophecy, God doesn't mean to say that only sons and daughters will prophesy, or that young men will only receive messages while they're awake and only old men will dream from God when they're sleeping. This just means that "people" will receive "messages" from God in various ways from the Spirit.

Are these visions and prophesies for the early church age only? Or are they meant to continue through to the end times? Some parts of the world, people claim tht they have seen visions that led them closer to Jesus. We can’t put God in a box. But the supernatural messages seem to have decreased greatly since the church has compiled the canon of the scriptures that belong in the New Testament. God can do still the supernatural, as He always is, but this is not the norm that we can see as time unfolds. The Scripture is the primary way that God communicates with the world today, is it not? Thus, we must be very careful to validate experiences like seeing visions and the like that all these must be subservient to the Scriptures.

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Acts 2:5-13 ESV

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

THE NEW WINE

As the Holy Spirit descended and alighted unto the disciples, they began to speak in tongues. The Jewish pilgrims, who were devout men from the neighboring nations heard them. Devout means "pious and dutiful." This covers religiously observant Jews as well as proselytes (Acts 2:11). A proselyte is a Gentile who worships the Jewish God in the Jewish way, to the point that he agrees to become circumcised. When applied to a Gentile, "devout" or "righteous" may mean he follows Judaism but is not circumcised.

Why were they bewildered when they hear them? As they come together, each one was hearing them speak in his own language. They were hearing the mighty works of God from the disciples. Apparently, their speaking in tongues are languages the disciples spoke which they haven’t previously learned. The understanding of what "speaking in tongues" means is a controversial topic today. Many think it is a special language that only God can understand. Passages like 1 Corinthians 14:2 seem to say speaking tongues is uttering "mysteries in the Spirit." This passage is clear that when someone is inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues, they are speaking an established, earthly language.

It was a miracle. The multitude, perhaps close to a million, was comprised of people speaking diversely to about 15 distinct languages as recorded. All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” Indeed, they were both right and wrong at the same time. Firstly, they were wrong for they were not drinking wine. On the other hand, they were right because being drunk with wine is a metaphor of being filled with the Spirit. Paul said, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”[Eph 5:18] A drunk person who is controlled by the spirit of the wine will display a different behavior and attitude much different than when he is not. These disciples were not anymore timid as before. They were bold in their witness for Jesus because of the control of the Spirit.

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Acts 2:1-4 ESV

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

THE HOLY SPIRIT DESCENDED AT PENTECOST

Their patient waiting upon Jesus’ promise for the baptism with the Holy Spirit paid off (Acts 1:4–5] The Holy Spirit arrived from heaven with a sound like a mighty rushing wind. What's described here is a sound, not a sensation. They heard the sound of wind but they didn't feel a blast of fast-moving air, did they? The “rushing” and “mighty” sound descriptions suggest the power of wind as always understood to be under God’s control. In the Old Testament, He often appeared as some form of wind. For example, He answered to Job from a whirlwind (Job 38:1), to Ezekiel, a stormy wind (Ezekiel 1:4), as a low whisper to Elijah (1 Kings 19:12). And, He filled the room when Solomon dedicated his temple (1 Kings 8:10–11).

The word translated as "Spirit" is pneuma, which may meant ‘breath or wind’. However here, the "Holy Spirit" is a person and one of the three members of the Trinity. Let’s recall that the Spirit is the power that can make us be born anew in Christ. Jesus described to Nicodemus the work of the Spirit, saying, "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). Jesus did the work required to reconcile us to God with His sacrifice on the cross. On the other hand, it is the Holy Spirit who indwells those who believe. Moreover, He equips them to further spread that good news – by emboldening believers in their preaching (Acts 4:31), affirming their teaching (Acts 6:10), preparing hearts of people (Acts 8:29,13:2), leading them in what to say (Acts 15:28), and guiding believers (Acts 16:6–7).

The Spirit descent during the day of the "Pentecost” signaled the start of the church age. Pentecost is derived from the Greek word for "fiftieth." It falls seven weeks and one day [50 days] after the Sabbath that occurs during the weeklong Feast of Unleavened Bread. It is also called the "Feast of Weeks" because that same period is seven weeks or "a week of weeks." It is given in the Mosaic Law in Lev 23:15–21 and Deut 16:9–12.

Thus after Passover, Pentecost is the next major feast for which Jews from all over the Roman Empire will come to Jerusalem in order to bring first of their grain as a free-will offering. On this Pentecost, Jerusalem offers a kind of free-will offering to God. Amazingly, three thousand people believe in Jesus during this day (Acts 2:41).

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Acts 1:15-26 ESV

20b “‘Let another take his office.’

21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

THE REPLACEMENT

Somebody has to replace Judas, that is, to "take his office" (Psalm 109:8). This would apply to the people sitting in the upper room. The word "office" is from the Greek root word episkopē from which we get our word episcopal. Jesus promised the twelve disciples that when He reigns they will "sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Mat 19:28). Since Judas was disqualified from such a service, the remaining apostles need to find a replacement.

Peter sets the qualifications for Judas' replacement. Jesus had said the apostles will be His "witnesses" (Acts 1:8), so they need someone who has witnessed Jesus. Throughout Jesus' three-year ministry, the Twelve disciples followed Him wherever He went. However, there were crowds who joined them regularly, even when they weren't wanted (Mat 4:23–25; Mark 3:7–10). Some would have stayed as long as they could, traveling with Jesus as excited fans following their favorite band. Peter articulated that the man must have been with them from the day of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist until the ascension.

After consideration, they narrowed down to two qualified candidates - Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. (Acts 1:22–23). Not so much information could we see about them. "Barsabbas" is Aramaic and means "son of God's will" or "son of Sabbath." It may be a nickname, meaning he devoutly follows the Sabbath. Joseph is his proper name, but like many at that time, he also has a Roman name, Justus. Historian Eusebius says Matthias was one of the Seventy (Luke 10:1–12, 17–20). When the group in the upper room casts lots, Matthias is chosen (Acts 1:26).

They prayed again for guidance. Praying for potential leaders becomes a valued tradition in the church for roles like evangelists (Acts 13:2) and church elders (Acts 14:23). Even Jesus prayed before He picked out the Twelve (Luke 6:12–13).God promises that if we pray for wisdom, He will give it to us (James 1:5). God knows who will make the best apostle because He already determined what work each man would do (Eph 2:10).

God knows the hearts of people where we only see on the surface (1 Samuel 16:7; Mark 2:8, 10:17–31; John 2:23–25). Literally, it is read, "You, Lord, heart-knower of all…" God is the only being whose identity and character include the knowledge and understanding of our thoughts, feelings, desires, and intentions. As such, only He can know whether Joseph or Matthias is the right man to replace Judas and take his responsibilities (Acts 1:20). The only other place "heart-knower" is used is in Acts 15:8 when Peter affirms that when it comes to inherent righteousness, Jews are no different than Gentiles.

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Acts 1:15-26 ESV

15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

“‘May his camp become desolate,

and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

SO NEAR YET SO FAR

After Jesus went up to heaven, about 120 of His followers awaited in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit, spending their time praying (Acts 1:14) and worshiping God (Luke 24:52–53). In one of those days, Peter stood up and addressed the group. The Holy Spirit has given him clarity about the need to replace Judas Iscariot, one of the original twelve apostles. He betrayed Jesus and killed himself (Mat 27:5).

Judas’ treachery was known to Jesus[ John 13:21-26]. He warned the disciples during His last supper with them that one of them would betray Him. It was not clear to them who he was until Jesus was arrested with Judas kiss. Here, Peter pointed out that David had prophesied this treachery, saying, "For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend" (Psalm 55:12–13). Peter knew that Judas' betrayal was predetermined by God, even planned by God (John 17:12). But, Judas was responsible for his choices.

We recall that just after Jesus had given Judas the bread, Satan entered into him [Joh 13:27-30] He went outside to arrange the arrest of Jesus with the Jewish leaders for 30 pieces of silver[Matt 26:14-16] The rest is history.

Peter recalled him as one was "numbered among" them. This means he was included in all the rollcalls of the twelve disciples (Mark 3:16–19; Luke 6:13–16). He joined in with Jesus and everyone else in the ministry to teach, heal, and expel demons (Mark 6:7–13). Ironically, Isaiah described Jesus as one "numbered with the transgressors" (Isaiah 53:12)—a reference to His death, Did not this foreshadow His association with Judas?

Verses 18 and 19 are a footnotes from Luke. Luke, a doctor, gives a more detailed account. Why? Luke felt Theophilus needed more context in this letter. Apparently, Judas' body fell from its hanging place. It's entirely possible that he'd been left there for sometime—either undiscovered or deliberately ignored. In such a case, gasses would have collected in Judas' abdomen. A grotesque picture

Judas received the "the reward of his wickedness" which referredliterally to the thirty pieces of silver he received for betraying Jesus (Matt 26:14–16). This was the amount of money the owner of an ox had to give the owner of a slave the ox killed (Exodus 21:32). Indeed, unbeknownst to Judas, he became the slave of the wicked Jewish leaders. Whatever happened in Judas' mind and heart, he tried to return the silver, but was denied by the chief priests. Instead, they used the money to buy a field and called it Akeldama [Field of Blood]. Somewhat fittingly, they used it for a cemetery, a dreadful place.

Judas deceptive life and tragic end should make us aware that we could be so near to Christ yet so far. Certainly, the problem was his heart – impervious to the promptings of God.