And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice the specific title they give God here: "heart-knower." This isn't just a general statement that God knows things; it highlights His unique ability to see the inner motives and character of each man, a quality essential for choosing an apostle who would represent Him. This emphasizes that true qualification isn't just outward actions, but the hidden disposition of the heart.
And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus ascended, the disciples gathered in Jerusalem with other believers, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and continued praying together while awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. Peter then stood up and proposed that they choose a replacement for Judas, who had betrayed Jesus and died, so that the apostolic ministry could be fully restored. After nominating two men, Joseph and Matthias, they prayed to God, who knows everyone's heart, asking Him to reveal which of the two He had chosen to fill Judas's vacant apostolic position.
How do you choose someone for a critical role when appearances can be deceiving? This prayer reveals a profound trust in God's unique perspective.
The disciples faced a crucial decision: replacing Judas among the Twelve. They had two candidates, Matthias and Joseph, both seemingly qualified. But human judgment has limits.
The Limit of Human Sight
Outwardly, both men might have looked good. They had followed Jesus, and they met the basic requirements. But the apostles knew that true qualification for an apostle wasn't just about following; it was about inner character and divine enablement.
The Heart-Knower
That's why they prayed, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all..." (Acts 1:24). They called God a "heart-knower" – someone who sees beyond the surface. This isn't just about knowing secrets; it's about understanding the deepest intentions, the hidden motives, and the potential within each person. Only God could truly discern who was best suited for this sacred, unique office.
This highlights a vital truth: God's perspective is always deeper and more accurate than ours. When we face decisions about leadership, calling, or even simple choices, we can rest in the fact that God sees what we cannot.
In a world driven by promotion and personal ambition, this passage points to a different path: one where God's sovereign choice takes center stage.
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The appointment of Matthias wasn't about a popularity contest or who could best advocate for themselves. It was a deliberate act of seeking God's will for a critical leadership role.
The Apostolic Office
The role of an apostle was unique and foundational for the early church. It required specific qualifications – being a witness to Jesus' ministry and resurrection. But beyond that, it required divine commissioning. The apostles understood that this wasn't a position to be filled by human maneuvering or merit alone.
Trusting God's Call
By bringing two candidates before God and asking Him to show His chosen one, they were acknowledging that the ultimate authority rested with Him. This wasn't about earning the position; it was about being chosen by God for it. This practice serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership in God's kingdom is marked by His selection, not our striving.
This echoes Jesus' own words when He told His disciples, "You did not choose me, but I chose you" (John 15:16). The pattern established here is one of divine initiative and selection, a stark contrast to the ambition often seen in worldly systems.
Understand the original words
kardia · Greek Noun
Refers to the inner self, the seat of human intellect, emotion, will, and conscience; God is understood to have perfect, penetrating knowledge of the hidden depths of every human.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus's death and subsequent resurrection mark the foundational events of the Christian faith, leading to His ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascends to heaven, instructing His followers to wait in Jerusalem for the promised power of the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
The Ten Days of Waiting
The period between Jesus's ascension and Pentecost, during which the disciples gathered in Jerusalem, united in prayer and anticipation.
c. AD 30— this verse
Prayer and Election of Matthias
The disciples, led by Peter, pray for divine guidance to choose a successor to Judas Iscariot from among two candidates, using lots to make the final decision.
c. AD 30
Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit descends upon the gathered disciples, empowering them to preach the Gospel and marking the birth of the early Christian Church.
This passage echoes the disciples' prayer by highlighting God's unique ability to see beyond outward appearances and know the true intentions of the heart, a crucial factor when choosing leaders.
Jeremiah 17:10This verse from Jeremiah directly states 'I the LORD search the heart and test the mind,' mirroring the disciples' prayer to the 'heart-knower' (kardiognostes) in Acts, emphasizing God's intimate knowledge.
Proverbs 16:33This proverb about the lot being cast in the lap but its direction being from the LORD provides context for the method used to make the final decision, showing how human actions can be guided by divine providence.
John 6:70Jesus himself states, 'Did I not choose you, the Twelve?' This shows that the choosing of apostles was ultimately Christ's prerogative, which the disciples are now seeking His confirmation on.
Acts 15:8Here, Peter again refers to God as the 'heart-knower' (kardiognostes), reinforcing the understanding that God's knowledge of hearts is a consistent attribute recognized by the apostles in their decision-making.
vincentActs 1:24: "And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,"
Which knowest the hearts (καρδιογνῶστα)Only here and Acts 15:8. Lit., heart-knower.
expositorsActs 1:24: "And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,"
Chapter 4 THE ELECTION OF MATTHIAS. Acts 1:24-26 We have selected the incident of this apostolic election as the central point round which to group the events of the ten days’ expectation which elapsed between the Ascension and Pentecost. But though this election is a most important fact, in itself and in the principles involved therein, yet there are numerous oth…
Notice the specific title they give God here: "heart-knower." This isn't just a general statement that God knows things; it highlights His unique ability to see the inner motives and character of each man, a quality essential for choosing an apostle who would represent Him. This emphasizes that true qualification isn't just outward actions, but the hidden disposition of the heart.
After Jesus ascended, the disciples gathered in Jerusalem with other believers, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and continued praying together while awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. Peter then stood up and proposed that they choose a replacement for Judas, who had betrayed Jesus and died, so that the apostolic ministry could be fully restored. After nominating two men, Joseph and Matthias, they prayed to God, who knows everyone's heart, asking Him to reveal which of the two He had chosen to fill Judas's vacant apostolic position.
After Jesus ascended, the disciples gathered in Jerusalem with other believers, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and continued praying together while awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. Peter then stood up and proposed that they choose a replacement for Judas, who had betrayed Jesus and died, so that the apostolic ministry could be fully restored. After nominating two men, Joseph and Matthias, they prayed to God, who knows everyone's heart, asking Him to reveal which of the two He had chosen to fill Judas's vacant apostolic position.
"And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen" — Notice the specific title they give God here: "heart-knower." This isn't just a general statement that God knows things; it highlights His unique ability to see the inner motives and character of eac…
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Last reviewed October 2026