Julie
The apostles finally understand that all of the things that happened had to in order for Jesus to fulfill his prophecy and that everything that happened had been spoken about a long time before Jesus. The death of Judas seemed a little bizarre in the explanation. The first few verses of Acts talking about the Holy Spirit and people receiving it, even being baptized in it. From what I have experienced there is confusion around what this means. I know that different demonination interpret this part very differently. The Apostolic or Presbyterians believe that this is why they can speak in tongues because they have been baptized by the Holy Spirit and they are speaking in their own way to God. He says they will get "power" when they are baptized by the Holy Spirit and be his witnesses. If I remember correctly this type of thing is mentioned a few times in Acts and it even says that they will be able to perform the same acts as Jesus.
If we lift up ourselves and are righteous God will protects us and do for us.
Michelle
I didn't know that Jesus had shown himself after resurrection for 40 days to the disciples. The parts that stand out to me in this reading are: First, Jesus says, "...But in a few days you will be baptized by the Holy Spirit". Second, he says, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority." We often struggle with knowing God's timing of things. Something the devotional points out is verse 14 which says, "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers". It's interesting because it talks about family being split in their beliefs and how Mary prayed for hers constantly, and how in the end Jesus' brothers were there praying with her. Something else in this reading speaks of replacing Judas. You are right that his death is bizarre sounding.
If we trust in God alone, and not in idols or false gods, we will ascend to God's place.
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