Bible Strands
Acts 1:16
“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Peter addresses a gathering of approximately one hundred and twenty brothers in Jerusalem, speaking immediately after noting Judas's former role in their ministry.
The words — ἔδει (edei) translates to "it was necessary for" and πληρωθῆναι (plērōthēnai) translates to "to have been fulfilled," establishing the event as a required completion of written prophecy.
The thread — The passage links to Psalms 41:9, John 13:18, and Psalms 55:12, which all describe betrayal by a trusted companion who shared in communal life.
Why it lands — The text states that Scripture was fulfilled through the Holy Spirit speaking via David, requiring readers to trace Judas's actions back to divine foretelling rather than mere chance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
Cross-references
- Psalms 41:9 Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
- John 13:18 I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’
- Psalms 55:12 For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide.
- Acts 1:20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his position.’
- Matthew 26:56 But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.
- John 12:38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
- Matthew 26:54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”
- Matthew 26:47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.
- John 18:2 Now Judas His betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.
- Mark 14:43 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders.