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Matthias was the disciple chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and taken his own life. His selection, recorded in Acts 1:15-26, took place shortly after Jesus’ ascension, while the disciples were gathered in Jerusalem awaiting the promise of the Holy Spirit.
He had accompanied Jesus from John’s baptism to the ascension, although he is not mentioned in the Gospels until that moment. Matthias is an example of faithfulness, someone who remained steadfast without seeking the spotlight. His story shows us that God values a faithful heart and exalts each person at the right time, according to His will.
When the need arose to fill the place left by Judas, Peter took the lead among the disciples and explained that it was necessary to choose someone who had accompanied Jesus throughout His ministry, from John’s baptism to the ascension. It was also essential that the chosen person had witnessed the resurrection.
Two men were presented as candidates: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. The apostles prayed, asking God for guidance to know which of the two had been chosen by Him. Then they cast lots, a common practice among the Jews, and the lot fell on Matthias, who from that moment was counted among the twelve apostles.
Apart from telling us the story of his selection to replace Judas, the Bible offers no further details about Matthias’ life or ministry. There are no records of his works or his fate, indicating that his significance is more related to the process of the selection the fact of having twelve apostles, perhaps representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
Despite standing out little, Matthias is an example of quiet faithfulness. He was with Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, yet he is not mentioned in the Gospels until the time of his selection. This teaches us that God values those who remain steadfast even when they are not in the spotlight. The Lord sees the heart and exalts at the right time.
Matthias’ selection also reminds us of the importance of prayer and seeking God’s guidance in important decisions. The apostles did not rely solely on human criteria but depended on the guidance of the Spirit.
Bible Study on Matthias
The Selection of Matthias Among the Apostles
After Jesus’ ascension, the apostles returned to Jerusalem, where they remained in prayer and fellowship with about 120 disciples (Acts 1:12-15). Peter, taking the lead, recognized the need to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and taken his own life.
Quoting the Scriptures (Psalm 69:25; 109:8), Peter stated that another must be chosen to occupy the “ministry position” left by Judas:
For,” said Peter, “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 place of leadership.’’’
- Acts 1:20
To be chosen as the new apostle, the person had to have been with Jesus throughout His ministry on earth. This included the time from His baptism by John until the day He was taken up into heaven (Acts 1:21-22). It was also necessary that the candidate had witnessed Christ’s resurrection.
Two men were presented: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Before making the decision, the apostles prayed to God, asking Him to show which of the two was chosen to take Judas’ place (Acts 1:24-25). They then cast lots, and the choice fell on Matthias, who from that moment was counted among the eleven apostles.
This process reveals the seriousness and spirituality with which the apostles handled the selection, seeking God’s direct guidance. It also shows that Matthias was already a faithful, though discreet, disciple. He was prepared to assume a position of great responsibility in the early church.
Matthias or Paul: Who Is the 12th Apostle?
The question of who the 12th apostle was after the fall of Judas Iscariot has been widely debated among scholars and believers. From an evangelical perspective, the Bible provides clarity, even though different interpretations exist.
Matthias was chosen by the apostles in Acts 1:15-26 to replace Judas. Peter, quoting Scripture, declared that it was necessary to fill the place left by Judas. The criteria were clear: the person had to have accompanied Jesus from John’s baptism to the ascension. After prayer and casting lots, they chose Matthias, and he “was counted with the eleven apostles”:
Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
- Acts 1:26
Paul, on the other hand, was called by Jesus after His ascension, in a supernatural way, while on the road to Damascus. He presents himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God” (Romans 1:1) and strongly asserts that his authority comes directly from Christ:
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God
- Romans 1:1
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? 2 Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 9:1-2
However, Paul could not replace Judas because he did not accompany Jesus’ earthly ministry, one of the requirements established in Acts 1. He was called for a specific purpose: to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7-9), with a unique mission.
Thus, according to the biblical account, Matthias is the 12th apostle, chosen by the disciples, while Paul was a special apostle, called directly by Christ for an extraordinary mission. Both were powerful instruments in God’s hands but with different roles.
What Happened to Matthias? How Did Matthias Die?
The Bible does not tell us how Matthias died. After his selection as an apostle, he is not mentioned again in Scripture.
Some scholars claim that Matthias was beheaded in Ethiopia. Others suggest he was crucified or even died of natural causes in Jerusalem. Since these accounts are not in the Bible, there is no official confirmation of his death.
According to the Bible, Matthias’ final fate is unknown. Any additional information is based solely on historical traditions and not on inspired biblical texts.
What We Can Learn from the Life of Matthias
Matthias is a little-mentioned biblical figure, but his selection as an apostle offers valuable lessons for our faith. He was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, not for public notoriety, but for his faithfulness and steadfast presence alongside Jesus.
That silent presence of Matthias teaches us that God values faithfulness more than visibility. Even though he does not appear in the Gospels, Matthias walked with Jesus, listened to His teachings, and witnessed His miracles. This shows that not all of God’s servants receive human recognition, but all are seen and rewarded by Him.
Matthias’ selection also highlights the importance of prayer and dependence on God’s will. The apostles did not make decisions based solely on human criteria; they sought God’s guidance, asking Him to show whom He had chosen (Acts 1:24).
Matthias represents those whom God prepares in silence for great responsibilities. He was ready when the right time came, without the need for self-promotion.
The story of Matthias challenges us to remain steadfast, even when others do not notice us, trusting that God will use us according to His purpose.
Lessons We Learn from Matthias:
- God values consistent faithfulness.
- Human recognition does not define our worth.
- We should seek God’s guidance in our decisions.
- Preparation in silence is also part of our calling.
- God exalts at the right time those who remain steadfast.
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