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Resurrection Prophecies  /  Lecture 4: Sixth & Seventh Prophecies About Resurrection  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 2
The lesson notes that the word translated “office” in Psalm 109/Acts 1 is the same word used for “bishop/overseer”; how does that shape the way you think about authority and succession in the early church, and how does it confront modern anti-structure instincts in evangelicalism?
Another way to ask: If the word for “office” is also used for “overseer/bishop,” what does that say about leadership and replacing leaders in the early church? How does that push back on today’s dislike of church structure?

Direct Answer The transcript suggests the apostles saw Judas’s role as an actual “office” of oversight that could be transferred, not a purely informal friendship role. That challenges modern instincts that treat structure as unspiritual, because Peter treats succession as biblical and necessary.

Support from Transcript:

  • Peter’s conclusion is not optional: “let another take his office,” presented as Scripture’s directive.
  • Chuck highlights the term: “the word that’s used for office there is the same word used for bishop or overseer.”
  • He notes translations that make the point explicit: “I’ve seen it translated… ‘the Office of a Bishop.’”
  • The replacement is tied to maintaining the apostolic number: “replace him to bring the number back up to 12,” implying continuity matters.
  • Peter describes Judas as having “obtained a part of this ministry,” implying there is a defined ministry role that continues even after failure.
Discussion Follow-ups What kinds of leadership continuity today resemble “another take his office”? Where might evangelical anti-institution attitudes be more cultural than biblical?

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