January 18 2026 | Acts 1:15-26 | Repentance & Restoration before Revival
Can you remember a time when a spiritual leader you trusted was exposed for some hidden sin? How does it affect people when the integrity of Christians (or of the church as a whole) is broken? How has it affected you personally?
Read Acts 1:15-20. If you knew nothing of Judas other than these verses, what would you know? Peter quotes two psalms which pray curses on God’s enemies (Ps 69:25 & 109:8). What emotions are aroused as you think about Judas from these verses?
Read John 21:15-17. Judas and Peter both experienced great spiritual failures before Jesus’ crucifixion. How does the aftermath of Peter’s sin differ from the aftermath of Judas’ sin? What do these two disciples’ paths teach us about how to handle our own sin and spiritual failures?
Read Acts 1:21-23. Who were the two men chosen as potential replacements for Judas? What requirements did they need to meet in order to restore the integrity of the apostolic office?
Read Acts 1:24-26. How does this prayer’s opening claim relate to the request they make of the Lord? Casting lots to make decisions was commonplace, occurring around 80 times in the Bible. However, this is the last time it occurs in scripture. Why might that be?
Spend time in prayer. Confess sin to Jesus and one another in the safety of your group. Commit to repentance (turning away from sin) and ask the Lord to restore what has been broken. Then rejoice in the hope of the Gospel: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1Jn 1:9)