17. But Judas was one of us. He shared with us in our work for God."
18. Judas bought a field with the reward he got for the evil thing he had done. He fell down headfirst in the field. His body burst open. All his insides spilled out.
19. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this. So they called that field Akeldama. In their language, Akeldama means The Field of Blood.
20. Peter said, "Here is what is written in the book of Psalms. It says, " 'May his home be deserted. May no one live in it.' (Psalm 69:25) The Psalms also say, " 'Let someone else take his place as leader.' (Psalm 109:8)
21. So we need to choose someone to take his place. It will have to be a man who was with us the whole time the Lord Jesus lived among us.
22. That time began when John was baptizing. It ended when Jesus was taken up from us. The one we choose must join us in giving witness that Jesus rose from the dead."
23. So they suggested two men. One was Joseph, who was called Barsabbas. He was also called Justus. The other man was Matthias.
24. Then they prayed. "Lord," they said, "you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.
25. Show us who should take the place of Judas as an apostle. He gave up being an apostle to go where he belongs."