Skip to content

Add your phone number?

Optional. Nothing is sent unless you choose it.
The Historic Faith
Sign in

Jumpstarter 1 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion
Resurrection Prophecies  /  Lecture 4: Sixth & Seventh Prophecies About Resurrection  /  Discussion Questions
All Questions
Question 1
Peter says Judas’s suicide and replacement had to happen “that the scripture may be fulfilled,” then cites Psalm 69 and Psalm 109; what does that claim suggest about God’s sovereignty over even betrayal and church leadership transitions, and what parts of that are hard for modern Christians to say out loud?
Another way to ask: Peter says Judas’s death and replacement happened to fulfill Scripture (Psalm 69 and 109). What does that say about God being in control even when betrayal and leadership changes happen, and why is that hard for many Christians to admit?

Direct Answer Based on Chuck Pike’s teaching, Peter’s claim that Judas’s fall and replacement “had to be fulfilled” suggests God’s plan was operating even through human treachery and the painful need for leadership transition. What’s hard to say out loud is that Scripture portrays even ugly sin and church office changes as fitting within foreseen, providential fulfillment.

Support from Transcript:

  • Peter frames Judas’s story as unavoidable fulfillment: “this scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke through the mouth of David concerning Judas.”
  • The transition is treated as obedience to Scripture, not just pragmatic reorganization: “they need to replace him to bring the number back up to 12.”
  • Peter cites specific texts as governing the outcome: Psalm 69 (“Let his dwelling place be desolate”) and Psalm 109 (“Let another take his office”).
  • Chuck notes Psalm 109 “goes into great detail about the treachery of Judas and the curses that would come on him,” implying betrayal is not outside God’s foreknowledge.
  • Judas is described as “numbered with us” and “part of this ministry,” highlighting that even inner-circle collapse was anticipated.
Discussion Follow-ups How do we speak about God’s sovereignty without excusing Judas’s responsibility? What fears make Christians avoid saying God is sovereign over church leadership upheaval?

Jumpstarter 1 of 10
Back Questions Next