Acts 1:23

KJV

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they appointed {G2476} two {G1417}, Joseph {G2501} called {G2564} Barsabas {G923}, who {G3739} was surnamed {G1941} Justus {G2459}, and {G2532} Matthias {G3159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They nominated two men — Yosef Bar-Sabba, surnamed Justus, and Mattityahu.

Berean Standard Bible

So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.

American Standard Version

And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 1:23 marks a crucial moment in the nascent Christian community as the apostles, guided by Peter, initiate the process of restoring the full complement of twelve apostles following Judas Iscariot's defection. This verse specifically details the nomination of two qualified candidates, Joseph Barsabas (also known as Justus) and Matthias, from among the larger group of disciples, setting the stage for the selection of the one who would fill the vacant apostolic office. This action demonstrates the early church's commitment to divine order and their proactive faith as they awaited the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 1:23 is situated within the immediate aftermath of Jesus' ascension to heaven, as recorded in [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Jesus' Ascension and the Promise of His Return"). The disciples, numbering about 120, have gathered in Jerusalem, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. Peter, stepping into a leadership role, addresses the assembly, explaining from Scripture the necessity of replacing Judas Iscariot. He cites prophecies from the Psalms, specifically [Psalm 69:25](/psalms/69-25 "A Prophecy of Desolation") and [Psalm 109:8](/psalms/109-8 "A Prophecy of Another Taking Office"), to justify the need for a successor. Peter also lays out the stringent criteria for the new apostle: he must be someone who accompanied Jesus and the disciples throughout His public ministry, from John's baptism until Jesus' ascension, to serve as a "witness of his resurrection" ([Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "Qualifications for an Apostle")). This verse then presents the two individuals who met these qualifications and were put forward by the community for consideration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community, though small, was operating within a Jewish cultural framework deeply rooted in Old Testament tradition. The number twelve held profound symbolic significance, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and, by extension, God's chosen people and His covenantal order. Jesus Himself had chosen twelve apostles to signify the new Israel and their future role in judging the twelve tribes ([Matthew 19:28](/matthew/19-28 "The Twelve Thrones")). The act of replacing Judas was therefore not merely about filling a vacancy but about restoring a divinely ordained number and ensuring the continuity of the apostolic witness. The method of "appointing" or "putting forward" candidates, followed by prayer and casting lots ([Acts 1:24-26](/acts/1-24-26 "Prayer and Casting Lots")), reflects a common practice in the ancient world for discerning divine will, particularly in matters of great importance, before the full indwelling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Restoration of Apostolic Order**, emphasizing the early church's commitment to the structure and leadership established by Jesus. The restoration of the twelve signifies continuity with God's plan for His people, from Old Testament Israel to the new covenant community. Secondly, the communal nomination process underscores the theme of **Community Discernment and Participation**, demonstrating that significant decisions in the early church involved the collective body of believers, not just a select few. This communal aspect, even before the Holy Spirit's full outpouring at [Acts 2](/acts/2 "The Day of Pentecost"), shows a nascent form of shared responsibility. Finally, the disciples' proactive steps to identify and nominate candidates, even while "waiting for the promise of the Father" ([Acts 1:4](/acts/1-4 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), illustrates the theme of **Faithful Obedience and Proactive Waiting**. They were not passively waiting but actively seeking to align themselves with God's perceived will, demonstrating their readiness to be used by Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **appointed (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This verb, G2476, carries the primary meaning "to stand," but in various applications, it can mean "to appoint," "to establish," or "to set up." In this context, it signifies that the gathered community formally presented or put forward these two individuals as suitable candidates. It implies a deliberate, communal act of selection and presentation for a specific purpose, rather than a casual suggestion.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** G2564, meaning "to call," is used here to indicate Joseph's common designation. It refers to the name by which he was known or addressed within the community. This highlights the practical identification of the individual and suggests a recognized identity within the early Christian circle.
* **surnamed (Greek, _epikaléomai'_):** G1941, meaning "to entitle" or "to call upon," indicates that "Justus" was a descriptive appellation or nickname given to Joseph, likely reflecting a widely acknowledged characteristic. It suggests a public reputation or a commonly used additional name that distinguished him. The fact that he was "surnamed Justus" speaks to his known character within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they appointed two,"**: This opening phrase indicates a collective decision and action by the gathered community of believers, numbering about 120 ([Acts 1:15](/acts/1-15 "The Number of the Disciples")). The verb "appointed" (Greek: _hístēmi_) suggests a formal presentation or setting forth of individuals deemed suitable for the vacant apostolic office. It implies a prior process of discernment and nomination within the group, leading to the selection of these two specific individuals who met Peter's stated criteria ([Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "Apostolic Qualifications")).
* **"Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus,"**: This clause identifies the first of the two nominated candidates. "Joseph" is a common Hebrew name. "Barsabas" is an Aramaic patronymic, likely meaning "son of Sabas" or "son of the oath/Sabbath," indicating his Jewish heritage and possibly a devout background. The additional detail "who was surnamed Justus" is significant. "Justus" is a Latin name meaning "just" or "righteous," suggesting that Joseph had a recognized reputation for integrity and moral uprightness within the community. This surname would have been a public testament to his character, a vital quality for someone considered for apostleship.
* **"and Matthias."**: This simple concluding phrase names the second candidate. Matthias is a Greek form of the Hebrew name Mattithiah, meaning "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of the Lord." The inclusion of his name without further descriptive titles, unlike Joseph, implies he was equally well-known and respected within the community, his name perhaps carrying its own inherent theological significance as a "gift" from God. The pairing of these two individuals highlights that both were considered equally qualified and worthy of the sacred office.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Nominalism** and **Descriptive Detail** to introduce the candidates. The precise naming of "Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias" provides specific identities, grounding the narrative in historical reality. The use of the **appositive** phrase "who was surnamed Justus" adds a significant layer of characterization for Joseph, highlighting his reputation for righteousness. This brief but potent detail serves as a form of **Epithet**, offering insight into the community's perception of him. While not overtly symbolic, the very act of "appointing two" (a **Dichotomy**) sets up the subsequent narrative of divine selection, creating a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the ultimate choice that will be made through prayer and lots.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:23 underscores the early church's profound commitment to divine order and the continuation of the apostolic witness. The meticulous process of identifying and nominating candidates for Judas's replacement reveals a deep reverence for the sacred office and a desire to maintain the divinely ordained number of twelve apostles, symbolizing the restoration of God's people. This action, taken before the full empowerment of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, demonstrates a proactive faith and a communal discernment process. It highlights that while the Spirit's power was awaited, the community was not passive but actively engaged in seeking God's will and fulfilling what they understood to be His plan for leadership and witness. The character and reputation of the nominated individuals, as implied by their names and surnames, also point to the theological importance of integrity and faithfulness in those called to serve God's purposes.

* [Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "The Qualifications for an Apostle")
* [Matthew 19:28](/matthew/19-28 "The Twelve Thrones")
* [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:23 offers profound insights into the early church's approach to leadership, discernment, and faithful action. The community's diligent effort to identify and nominate individuals who met specific, rigorous criteria for apostleship reminds us that spiritual leadership is not to be taken lightly. It requires careful consideration of character, experience, and adherence to biblical qualifications. The fact that the community acted collectively, even before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, teaches us the importance of proactive obedience and communal discernment. We are called to seek God's will diligently, using the wisdom and resources He has provided, even as we wait for His empowering presence. This verse encourages us to be active participants in the life of the church, contributing to the discernment of leadership and upholding the standards of integrity and faithfulness in all who serve. It challenges us to consider our own character and readiness to be used by God, whether in formal leadership or in our daily witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the early church's careful process of nominating leaders in Acts 1:23 inform our modern practices of selecting spiritual leaders?**
* **What does the emphasis on the character (e.g., "Justus") of the nominated individuals teach us about the qualities most valued in spiritual service?**
* **In what ways can we, as a community of believers, proactively seek God's will and act in faith, even as we await His further guidance or empowerment?**

### FAQ

**Why were two men appointed, not just one?**

Answer: The text indicates that the community "appointed two," Joseph Barsabas and Matthias, because both met the rigorous qualifications Peter laid out in [Acts 1:21-22](/acts/1-21-22 "The Criteria for an Apostle"). These criteria stipulated that the new apostle must have been a consistent companion of Jesus and the disciples throughout His public ministry, from John's baptism until Jesus' ascension, so as to be a credible "witness of his resurrection." It appears that both Joseph and Matthias fulfilled these requirements, making them the top two candidates from whom God would then make the final selection through the casting of lots ([Acts 1:26](/acts/1-26 "Matthias Chosen by Lot")). This process allowed for human discernment to narrow the field, while ultimately leaving the final, divine choice to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 1:23 focuses on the early church's human action in appointing candidates, it implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate head of the church and the source of all apostolic authority. The very need to replace Judas underscores the significance of the twelve apostles as foundational to the new covenant community, a structure established by Christ Himself ([Matthew 10:1-4](/matthew/10-1-4 "Jesus Calls the Twelve Disciples")). The criteria for the new apostle—being a witness to Jesus' resurrection—directly centers on the pivotal event of Christ's victory over death, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The subsequent selection of Matthias, guided by prayer and lots, demonstrates the early church's reliance on divine providence, trusting that Christ, through the Holy Spirit, would ultimately choose His own instrument. This entire process, though seemingly human-driven, was an act of obedience to Christ's prior commands and a preparation for the Spirit's empowering presence at [Acts 2](/acts/2 "The Coming of the Holy Spirit"), which would enable the apostles to bear witness to Christ "to the ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Great Commission in Acts")). Thus, the appointment of these two men was a step in the unfolding of Christ's redemptive plan for His church, ensuring the continuity of His authoritative witness in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 15:22

¶ Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; [namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

Acts 1:26

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.