In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, “Friends, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus– for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” Acts 1:15

Here we have the affirmation that Spirit was with David to alert us that Judas would betray Jesus. In addition to this, in the Old Testament Spirit has given information as to what the Messiah Of The World would do, look like, and how He would die. Peter begins preaching saying, ‘the Scripture had to be fulfilled,’ as he points out that Judas’ betrayal of the Savior was foretold to king David.

Oh, what deep grief the disciples experience from the fact that Judas, one of their own, betrayed Jesus into the hands of sinners who killed Him. Yet Peter had listened closely as at the institution of Holy Communion Jesus had said, “satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31).

Similarly, Jesus Christ is praying for you (John 17) and gives you the charge to strengthen your brothers and sisters in Christ. Peter is strengthening others as he vigilantly describes Judas, who first tried to hang himself, spills his bodily fluids onto a piece of land bought with the pieces of silver given for His betrayal. Would that Judas would have turned back from denying Jesus as he remembered that there is no sin unredeemable in our souls except the total denial of Jesus’ Presence within us.

Peter is speaking before Pentecost. He has turned back to faith even though denying Jesus three times, just as Jesus said he would do. Disciples will choose Matthias to fill Judas’ place in the twelve and after Pentecost. The Holy Spirit will soon choose Paul– to widely spread Christ’s Kingdom Good News of salvation and New Birth to the Gentiles. Peter is prominently witnessing of Christ to the Jews. Peter and Paul’s ministries are blessed by Christ.

Undoubtedly, Love in Jesus Christ does win in our lives. When there is betrayal amongst us we keep our faith from failing. We turn back to Christ and yield ourselves to Spirit. As we humble ourselves, Spirit takes us, shakes us, makes us better than we have to be for Christ. And in knowing how, we strengthen our brothers and sisters by showing them how we yielded to Spirit.

The Holy change that occurs within us by the Power of the Holy Spirit is sanctification; the awesome and exciting transformation of our entire beings! This locks us into Christ and ministry. Entire sanctification is where Spirit gives us such strength in Spirit that we can no longer sin, betray our Savior and Lord, nor turn our ways away from Heavenly Father.