The Vacancy in the Apostolic Company
The narrative of the early church, as recorded in the book of Acts, opens with a poignant scene: the eleven apostles gathered after the ascension of Jesus Christ. Their number, originally twelve, had been tragically diminished by the defection and demise of Judas Iscariot. Judas, who had been chosen by Christ Himself to be one of the twelve, succumbed to the temptation of greed, betraying his Master for thirty pieces of silver. His subsequent repentance, marked by the return of the blood money, led not to restoration but to despair and a gruesome end, as recorded in Acts 1:18: "Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out." This tragic vacancy necessitated divine intervention and human obedience to restore the foundational number of the apostles, upon whom the early church would be built.
The Scriptural Mandate for Replacement
In the days immediately following Christ's ascension, and prior to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter, ever the leader among the apostles, rose to address the brethren. Approximately one hundred and twenty disciples were gathered, and Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit and the prophetic Scriptures, laid out the necessity of replacing Judas. He did not act on impulse or personal preference, but with a profound reverence for the written Word of God. Peter declared:
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
He then cited two specific prophecies from the Psalms, demonstrating that Judas's actions and fate were not unforeseen by God, but were part of a divine plan foretold centuries earlier. The first prophecy concerned the desolation of his habitation:
For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
This verse combines two distinct prophecies: Psalm 69:25, which speaks of desolation, and Psalm 109:8, which specifically states, "and his bishoprick let another take." Peter's reliance on these ancient prophecies underscored the divine imperative for a replacement. The number twelve was not arbitrary; it symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel and would later represent the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:14), signifying the apostles' foundational role in the new covenant. The integrity of this apostolic company was paramount to the establishment and witness of the nascent church.
Qualifications for an Apostle
Having established the biblical necessity for a replacement, Peter then outlined the specific qualifications required for anyone to fill such a crucial role. The apostles were to be primary witnesses to the life, ministry, death, and most importantly, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their testimony was not based on hearsay or secondary accounts, but on direct, personal experience. Peter articulated these criteria:
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
This passage highlights several key qualifications:
These stringent requirements ensured that the integrity of the apostolic testimony would be preserved. The apostles were not merely leaders; they were foundational eyewitnesses to the saving acts of God in Christ.
The Candidates and the Process
With the qualifications clearly defined, two men were identified who met these demanding criteria:
- Joseph called Barsabas: Who was also surnamed Justus.
- Matthias: Whose full name and background are not further detailed in Scripture, but who clearly met Peter's stipulations.
The selection process itself is instructive, revealing the early church's reliance on divine guidance. They did not immediately cast lots or vote. Instead, they recognized their need for God's wisdom in such a crucial matter. Their first step was prayer:
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
This prayer acknowledges God's omniscience and His sovereign prerogative to choose. They understood that the selection of an apostle was not a human decision but a divine appointment. They sought God's will, not their own. Following their prayer, they resorted to a method common in that era for discerning God's will when direct prophetic revelation was not yet available or clear: casting lots.
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
The practice of casting lots was a recognized method in ancient Israel for discerning God's will, often seen as a way for God to reveal His choice when human judgment alone was insufficient or potentially biased. Proverbs states, "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD" (Proverbs 16:33). It is notable that this method was employed prior to the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, after which the church would experience direct prophetic guidance and spiritual discernment through the Spirit. In this transitional period, it served as a legitimate means by which God's will could be revealed to His people.
The Divine Choice and Its Significance
The lot fell upon Matthias, and he was immediately "numbered with the eleven apostles." This event completed the apostolic college, restoring the number twelve. Matthias, though never individually highlighted again in the biblical narrative, faithfully served alongside the other apostles, fulfilling his foundational role. His inclusion ensured the continuity of the apostolic witness and the integrity of the group that would lay the groundwork for the global expansion of Christianity.
The choosing of Matthias highlights several enduring principles for the church:
- Divine Sovereignty: God's plan is immutable. Even through human failure and betrayal, His purposes are fulfilled, and His church is built upon the foundation He ordains.
- Biblical Authority: Peter's reliance on Old Testament prophecy to justify the replacement underscores the supreme authority of Scripture in guiding the decisions of the church.
- Earnest Prayer: The early church's commitment to prayer before making significant decisions serves as a timeless example. They sought God's will above all else, trusting in His wisdom.
- Qualifications for Leadership: The specific criteria for apostleship emphasize the importance of character, experience, and fidelity to truth for those in spiritual leadership. While apostleship in its foundational sense is unique to the original twelve, the principles of integrity and witness remain vital for all who serve in the church.
The choosing of Matthias was not a mere administrative task; it was a divinely orchestrated event that ensured the apostolic foundation of the church remained intact, ready to receive the power of the Holy Spirit and carry the gospel message to the ends of the earth.