Topical Encyclopedia Matthias is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for being chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles. His selection is a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, symbolizing the restoration and continuation of the apostolic ministry after the betrayal and death of Judas.Biblical Account The account of Matthias's selection is found in the Book of Acts. After the ascension of Jesus, the apostles returned to Jerusalem and gathered in the upper room, where they were joined by other believers, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. The group, numbering about 120, was united in prayer and supplication (Acts 1:12-14). Peter, taking a leadership role, addressed the assembly regarding the need to fill the vacancy left by Judas. He cited the fulfillment of Scripture, referring to the Psalms, which spoke of Judas's betrayal and the necessity for another to take his place: "For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, 'May another take his position'" (Acts 1:20). Criteria and Selection Process The criteria for Judas's replacement were clear: the candidate had to have been with Jesus and the apostles from the time of John the Baptist's ministry until Jesus's ascension. This requirement ensured that the new apostle would be a witness to the entirety of Jesus's earthly ministry and His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). Two men were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. The apostles then prayed for divine guidance, saying, "Lord, You know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place" (Acts 1:24-25). They cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, who was then numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26). Role and Significance Matthias's selection underscores the importance of apostolic witness and continuity in the early church. By choosing someone who had been with Jesus from the beginning, the apostles ensured that the testimony of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection would remain intact and credible. Matthias's inclusion restored the number of apostles to twelve, a number symbolically significant in representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the foundation of the new covenant community. While Matthias is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, his appointment as an apostle affirms the early church's commitment to maintaining the integrity and witness of the apostolic foundation. His selection by lot, a method often used in the Old Testament to discern God's will, highlights the belief in divine sovereignty and guidance in the church's decisions. Tradition and Legacy Though the New Testament does not provide further details about Matthias's ministry, various traditions have emerged regarding his later life and missionary work. Some accounts suggest that he preached the Gospel in regions such as Judea, Cappadocia, and Ethiopia, ultimately facing martyrdom for his faith. These traditions, while not scripturally verified, reflect the early church's reverence for Matthias as a faithful apostle and witness to Christ. Matthias's account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness, witness, and divine guidance in the life of the church. His selection as an apostle exemplifies the early Christian community's reliance on prayer and Scripture in making crucial decisions, ensuring the continuity of the apostolic mission entrusted to them by Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Acts 1:15-26And in those days Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Nave's Topical Index Library Futility of the Arguments Adduced to Demonstrate the Sufferings of ... The Promise of the Father. Acts I Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists. The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles. And Judas Iscariot Apostles To-Day? The Foundation of the Church. From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch. The Foundation of the Church among the Jews Resources What is apostolic doctrine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the biblical qualifications for apostleship? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between a disciple and apostle? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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