The Choosing of Matthias

After returning to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, the apostles went to an upper room where they were staying (Acts 1:12-13). Those present included Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James (Acts 1:13). These individuals continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, accompanied by several women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers (Acts 1:14). During this time, the number of names together was about an hundred and twenty (Acts 1:15).

In those days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and addressed the necessity of fulfilling scripture regarding Judas Iscariot, who had served as a guide to those who took Jesus (Acts 1:16). Peter noted that Judas was numbered with them and had obtained part of their ministry, but after his transgression, he purchased a field with the reward of iniquity and died there (Acts 1:17-18). Peter cited the book of Psalms, stating that another must take the office of oversight previously held by Judas (Acts 1:20). The text does not say how the group reacted to the description of Judas's death.

The requirement for the successor was that he must have accompanied the group the entire time the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, beginning from the baptism of John until the day Jesus was taken up (Acts 1:21-22). This individual was to be ordained as a witness of the resurrection (Acts 1:22). Two men were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias (Acts 1:23). The group prayed for the Lord to show which of the two was chosen to take part in the ministry and apostleship (Acts 1:24-25). The text does not say how long the prayer lasted.

Following the prayer, they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias (Acts 1:26). The text does not say the specific method used to cast the lots or the physical reactions of the candidates. Upon the selection, Matthias was numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26).