Acts 1:26
And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is that "numbered" here isn't just about counting; it uses a specific Greek word that implies Matthias was voted in by the group, with their collective agreement confirming the lot's divine indication. This shows a beautiful blend of God's direct guidance through the lot and the community's affirmation of His choice.
Following Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death, the remaining eleven disciples realized the apostles needed to be a complete group of twelve again. They prayed and then cast lots between two chosen candidates, Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias, to discern God's will for this crucial replacement. The lot fell on Matthias, officially adding him to the apostolic ranks and restoring the full number.
How did the early church pick a replacement for Judas? It wasn't through a vote or a committee meeting as we might expect.
In Acts 1:26, the apostles cast lots to choose Matthias. This practice, common in the Old Testament, was a way to discern God's will before the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Old Testament Roots
Casting lots was a recognized method for making decisions when human wisdom was insufficient, seen in passages like Leviticus 16:8 and Proverbs 16:33. It was believed that God Himself directed the outcome of the lot.
A Prerequisite for Pentecost
Before the Holy Spirit descended to guide them into all truth, the apostles relied on this divine method to fill the crucial role left vacant by Judas. It ensured the new apostle was directly appointed by God, just as the others were.
Matthias didn't just become an apostle; he was specifically 'numbered with the eleven.' What does this signify?
The phrase 'numbered with the eleven apostles' in Acts 1:26 signifies more than just adding a name to a list. It means Matthias was integrated into the existing apostolic college, completing the divinely appointed number of twelve.
Completing the Symbol
Our Lord chose twelve apostles, mirroring the twelve tribes of Israel. This symbolized the foundation of the new covenant community, just as the twelve tribes represented the old. Judas's betrayal created a gap, a break in this sacred number and its symbolism.
Divine Affirmation and Church Agreement
Matthias's selection by lot was seen as God's direct choice. The community's subsequent action of 'numbering him with' the eleven shows their unified agreement and affirmation of this divine appointment. It was a confirmation by the church that God had indeed chosen Matthias to fulfill the vacant position.
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 underscores the apostles' reliance on divine guidance before the full empowerment of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This act fulfilled Jesus' commission to have twelve witnesses, mirroring the twelve tribes of Israel and ensuring a complete foundation for the early Church.
c. AD 30
Judas Iscariot's Betrayal and Death
Judas, one of the twelve apostles, betrays Jesus to the authorities, leading to Jesus' crucifixion. He later dies, leaving the apostolic college with eleven members.
c. AD 30
The Ascension of Jesus
After his resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven, instructing his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. The remaining eleven apostles are gathered.
c. AD 30
Devotion and Prayer in Jerusalem
The disciples, about 120 in number, gather in an upper room in Jerusalem, devoting themselves to prayer and waiting as Jesus commanded.
c. AD 30
Selection of Candidates for Apostle
Peter proposes that the group select a replacement for Judas from those who had accompanied Jesus throughout his ministry, so that the number of witnesses might be complete.
This passage describes the use of lots in the Old Testament for sacred purposes, specifically the selection of a goat for the Lord on the Day of Atonement, paralleling the method used in Acts 1 to discern God's choice for the apostolic office.
1 Samuel 10:20Here, lots are cast to identify Saul as chosen by God for kingship, demonstrating a pattern where divine selection for a significant role was confirmed through the casting of lots, similar to Matthias's appointment.
Proverbs 16:33This verse states that 'the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord,' directly supporting the understanding that the outcome of casting lots in Acts 1 was seen as God's sovereign direction.
Joshua 7:14In this instance, lots are used to reveal Achan's sin, illustrating how the casting of lots was a recognized means in ancient Israel to uncover hidden matters and determine accountability under God's oversight.
Matthew 19:28Jesus foretells that the apostles will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting the symbolic importance of the number twelve for the apostolic body, which Matthias's inclusion restored.
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.…
What's easy to miss is that "numbered" here isn't just about counting; it uses a specific Greek word that implies Matthias was voted in by the group, with their collective agreement confirming the lot's divine indication. This shows a beautiful blend of God's direct guidance through the lot and the community's affirmation of His choice.
Following Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death, the remaining eleven disciples realized the apostles needed to be a complete group of twelve again. They prayed and then cast lots between two chosen candidates, Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias, to discern God's will for this crucial replacement. The lot fell on Matthias, officially adding him to the apostolic ranks and restoring the full number.
Following Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death, the remaining eleven disciples realized the apostles needed to be a complete group of twelve again. They prayed and then cast lots between two chosen candidates, Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias, to discern God's will for this crucial replacement. The lot fell on Matthias, officially adding him to the apostolic ranks and restoring the full number.
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c. AD 30— this verse
Casting Lots for Matthias
Two candidates, Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias, are put forward. Lots are cast, a method recognized in the Old Testament for discerning God's will, and the lot falls on Matthias.
c. AD 30
Matthias Joins the Apostles
Matthias is formally recognized and added to the eleven, completing the number of the apostolic witnesses. He is now considered one of the twelve apostles.
c. AD 30
Pentecost and the Coming of the Spirit
Shortly after Matthias's selection, the Holy Spirit descends upon the gathered believers in Jerusalem, empowering them to begin their ministry.
"And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." — What's easy to miss is that "numbered" here isn't just about counting; it uses a specific Greek word that implies Matthias was voted in by the group, with their collective agreement confirming the…
