Matthias
The Replacement ApostleDisciple who was chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot, restoring the Twelve Apostles to their full number
After Judas Iscariot's death, the apostles sought to restore their number to twelve - symbolically representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Peter specified that the replacement must have been with Jesus from John's baptism through the ascension. Two candidates were nominated: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. After prayer, lots were cast and Matthias was chosen. This was the last recorded use of casting lots to discern God's will in Scripture; after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit provided direct guidance. Tradition says Matthias preached in Judea, Ethiopia, or around the Caspian Sea before being martyred.
Original Name
Μαθθίας (Matthias)
Meaning
Gift of Yahweh
Etymology
Matthias is a shortened form of Mattathias, from Hebrew 'Mattityahu' (מַתִּתְיָהוּ), combining 'mattan' (gift) and 'Yah' (YHWH). It's related to the names Matthew and Mattathias (the father of the Maccabees). The name's meaning - 'Gift of God' - proved prophetic as Matthias was God's gift to complete the apostolic number.
Linguistic Insights
The selection process described in Acts 1 uses the Greek word 'kleros' (lot), from which we get 'clergy.' The phrase 'the lot fell to' (epesen ho kleros epi) indicates they cast lots - an ancient practice for discerning God's will (Proverbs 16:33). This was the final instance of lot-casting recorded in Scripture; after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit's direct guidance superseded this method. The requirement that candidates be witnesses 'from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up' (Acts 1:22) uses 'analempsis' (taking up) - a word emphasizing Jesus's ascension. Matthias disappears from the biblical narrative after Acts 1, though tradition preserves various accounts of his ministry.
Translation Notes
- •Shortened form of Mattathias (like the Maccabean hero)
- •Same Hebrew root as Matthew - 'Gift of Yahweh'
- •Only mentioned in Acts 1:23, 26 in the Bible
- •Last recorded casting of lots for divine guidance
Related Terms
Followed Jesus from baptism to ascension
Acts 1:21-22Nominated to replace Judas
Acts 1:23Chosen by lot over Joseph Barsabbas
Acts 1:26Added to the eleven apostles
Acts 1:26Present at Pentecost
Acts 2:1-4 (implied)Tradition: Preached in Judea, Ethiopia, or Colchis
Church traditionTradition: Martyred by stoning or beheading
Church traditionActs 1:21
"Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us."
Acts 1:22
"Beginning from John's baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection."
Acts 1:26
"Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."
Born
c. 5 AD
Died
c. 80 AD
Lifespan
Approximately 75 years
Father
Unknown
Mother
Unknown
Spouse
Unknown