Bible Commentary

Acts 1:20

Acts 1:20

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Made desolate for desolate, A.V.; office for bishopric, A.V. The book of Psalms, one of the recognized divisions of the canonical Scriptures, as we find , "The law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms," the last standing for the Hagiographa, of which it was the first and principal book.

Here, however, as in , it may rather mean the Book of Psalms proper. (For similar quotations from the Psalms, see ; ; ; ; ; ; , etc.

) His office let another take. Bishop being the English transliteration of ἐπίσκοπος, bishopric is, of course, the literal rendering of ἐπισκοπή; if taken in its wider and more general sense, as in the well-known work of Archdeacon Evans?

"the bishopric of souls." This same office is called a διακονία (a deaconship), and ἀποστολὴ (an apostleship) in verses 17 and 25. So St. Paul cells himself διάκονος (a minister) in ; , , etc.

So the presbyters of the Church are called bishops (, ; 1 Timothy 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:2. etc.). The ecclesiastical names for the different offices in the Church only acquired their distinctive use later, and by the gradual growth of custom.

In the Septuagint, ἐπισκοπή answers to the Hebrew הדָּקֻףְ, A.V., "oversight" (Numbers, ; , etc.).

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Recommended reading

More for Acts 1:20

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Lawyer and the WitnessYou don't need a theology degree to speak. You just need a story. This week, practice your "3-Minute Testimony." Before: What was my life like before Jesus? (1 minute) How: How did I meet Him? (1 minute) After: How is my life different now? (1 minute) Write it down. Be ready to share it.DiscipleDeck videoThe Book of Mark Explainer VideoThis video provides a fast-paced, action-packed summary of the Gospel of Mark, highlighting its urgency and focus on proving Jesus is the Son of God through five key acts (0:00-0:54). Key Acts in Mark: Act 1: Baptism & Ministry Launch (0:55-2:14): John the Baptist prepares the way, and Jesus is baptized, receiving divine endorsement before immediately calling his first disciples. Act 2: Galilean Ministry & Authority (2:15-4:24): Jesus demonstrates authority through miracles—healing, casting out spirits, and calming storms—while using parables to teach about the Kingdom of God (3:02). This act also introduces the conflict with religious leaders. Act 3: The Turning Point (4:25-6:00): Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah (4:56), leading Jesus to define his mission not as political power, but as suffering, death, and resurrection (5:22). Act 4: The Passion (6:01-7:30): The intense final week in Jerusalem, covering his triumphal entry, the Last Supper, betrayal, and crucifixion. The climax occurs when a Roman Centurion declares Jesus the Son of God at his death (7:09). Act 5: The Resurrection (7:31-8:50): Women find the empty tomb, confirming Jesus has risen, demonstrating that sacrifice led to ultimate victory.DiscipleDeckdevotionThe LightbulbGod doesn't fill you with the Holy Spirit just to give you warm feelings; He gives you power so you can light up a dark world. Don't keep the power to yourself. Read this to find your true purpose. 👇DiscipleDecksermonChristian PerfectionSermon 40 Christian Perfection “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect.” Phil. 3:12. 1. There is scarce any expression in Holy...John WesleysermonThe Mystery of IniquitySermon 61 The Mystery of Iniquity “The mystery of iniquity doth already work.” 2 Thess. 2:7. 1. Without inquiring how far these words refer to any...John Wesley