And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Greek word for "numbered" here isn't just about adding him to a count; it implies he was "voted in" or "counted among" them, signifying the community's full agreement with God's choice revealed by the lot. This shows that even when God's will was directly indicated, the community's affirmation was still crucial for recognizing a leader.
And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just ascended into heaven, leaving his followers in Jerusalem to await the promised Holy Spirit. Before the Spirit arrives, the disciples realize they need to replace Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus and is now dead. After praying and considering candidates, they cast lots to let God decide between Joseph and Matthias, and the lot falls on Matthias, officially filling the vacant spot among the twelve apostles.
How did the early church choose a replacement for Judas? It wasn't a vote or a committee decision as we might expect today.
In Acts 1:26, the disciples cast lots to choose Matthias. This wasn't a random guessing game, but a recognized Old Testament practice for discerning God's will.
Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
Casting lots was a way for the early believers, still waiting for the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to acknowledge that God Himself was directing the choice. Proverbs 16:33 says, 'The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.' They were entrusting the outcome to God's sovereign hand, seeking His direct confirmation for this crucial apostolic role.
A Practice Before Pentecost
This method was fitting for a time before the disciples were fully empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit. Once the Spirit descended at Pentecost, the practice of casting lots for leadership decisions ceased. The apostles then operated with the direct guidance and wisdom of the indwelling Spirit.
Who was Matthias, and what did it mean for him to be 'numbered with the eleven apostles'?
When the lot fell on Matthias, he wasn't just added to the group; he was 'numbered with the eleven apostles.' This signifies his full integration and acceptance into their unique apostolic company.
Restoring the Sacred Number
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Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, had forfeited his place among the Twelve. His death left a vacancy. The election of Matthias was about restoring the perfect number of twelve apostles, a symbolic representation of God's people, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel.
A Role of Divine Authority
This wasn't merely a ceremonial appointment. Matthias became a witness to Jesus' resurrection and was endowed with the same divine authority and commission as the other apostles. He was chosen to fulfill the specific task of apostleship, carrying the gospel message with the same foundational significance.
Understand the original words
klēros · Greek Noun
The practice of determining a divine decision through external, objective means. In the Bible, it was often used to seek God's guidance or resolve disputes, acknowledging His sovereignty over outcomes.
apostolos · Greek Noun
One sent with a commission; specifically, a messenger of Jesus Christ commissioned to preach the gospel and establish the church. An apostle held a unique, foundational authority based on having witnessed the resurrected Christ.
sunkatapsēphizō · Greek Verb
To be officially counted, enrolled, or associated with a specific group or rank. In a biblical context, it implies formal recognition of one’s inclusion in a spiritual or covenantal community.
The selection of Matthias by lot highlights the apostles' reliance on ancient methods of discernment before receiving the full power and guidance of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ascension
After Jesus ascends to heaven, the remaining apostles and disciples gather in Jerusalem, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. The community is around 120 strong.
c. AD 30
Need for a Twelfth Apostle
The disciples recognize the need to replace Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus and died. They decide the new apostle must be someone who accompanied Jesus from His baptism to His ascension, ensuring continuity and eyewitness testimony.
c. AD 30
Nomination of Candidates
Two candidates, Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias, are put forward. They are presented as equally qualified by the disciples.
c. AD 30— this verse
Casting of Lots
Lacking the full guidance of the Holy Spirit yet, the group prays for God's direction and casts lots to make the final decision between the two candidates. This method echoes Old Testament practices for discerning God's will.
c. AD 30
Matthias Joins the Apostles
The lot falls on Matthias, who is then formally recognized and numbered with the eleven apostles, completing the Twelve. This act solidifies the leadership structure before Pentecost.
c. AD 30
Pentecost Arrives
Shortly after Matthias's selection, the Holy Spirit descends powerfully on the day of Pentecost, empowering the apostles and confirming their mission. From this point onward, they rely on the Spirit's guidance rather than casting lots.
This passage describes the Old Testament practice of using lots to designate one of two goats for a specific sacrificial purpose, mirroring the use of lots here to select God's chosen apostle.
Joshua 7:16-18After Israel's sin, Joshua uses the casting of lots to identify the guilty individual, demonstrating how God's sovereign choice could be revealed through this method in critical moments.
1 Samuel 10:20-21This narrative shows Saul being chosen as king through the casting of lots, illustrating the divine appointment of leaders through this ancient practice before the full empowerment of the Spirit.
Proverbs 16:33This verse explicitly states that the lot is cast into the lap, but its every determination is from the Lord, reinforcing the belief that Matthias' selection was divinely ordained.
Matthew 19:28Jesus promises the twelve apostles that they will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting the significance of their number and the foundational role they would play in God's kingdom.
vincentActs 1:26: "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."
He was numbered (συγκατεψηφίσθη)Only here in New Testament. See on counteth, Luke 14:28.
meyerActs 1:26: "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."
Acts 1:26 . And they (namely, those assembled) gave for them ( αὐτοῖς , see the critical notes) lots—i.e. tablets, which were respectively inscribed with one of the two names of those proposed for election—namely, into the vessel in which the lots were collected, Leviticus 16:8 . The expression ἔδωκαν is opposed to the idea of casting lots ; comp. Luke 23:34 and parallels.…
The Greek word for "numbered" here isn't just about adding him to a count; it implies he was "voted in" or "counted among" them, signifying the community's full agreement with God's choice revealed by the lot. This shows that even when God's will was directly indicated, the community's affirmation was still crucial for recognizing a leader.
Jesus has just ascended into heaven, leaving his followers in Jerusalem to await the promised Holy Spirit. Before the Spirit arrives, the disciples realize they need to replace Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus and is now dead. After praying and considering candidates, they cast lots to let God decide between Joseph and Matthias, and the lot falls on Matthias, officially filling the vacant spot among the twelve apostles.
Jesus has just ascended into heaven, leaving his followers in Jerusalem to await the promised Holy Spirit. Before the Spirit arrives, the disciples realize they need to replace Judas, the apostle who betrayed Jesus and is now dead. After praying and considering candidates, they cast lots to let God decide between Joseph and Matthias, and the lot falls on Matthias, officially filling the vacant spot among the twelve apostles.
"And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." — The Greek word for "numbered" here isn't just about adding him to a count; it implies he was "voted in" or "counted among" them, signifying the community's full agreement with God's choice revealed b…
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Last reviewed October 2026