Matthias was the disciple chosen to replace Judas among the Twelve Apostles after Judas's death, bearing witness to the resurrection of Jesus and joining the foundation of the early church.
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Life & Story
Matthias appears at the opening of the Acts of the Apostles, a pivotal yet briefly mentioned disciple in early church history. After the ascension of Jesus, the disciples gathered together, with the total number of the brethren numbering about one hundred and twenty. Peter stood up among them and led the process of selecting a new apostle to fill the vacancy left by Judas, who had fallen from his apostolic office. According to Scripture, two candidates were put forward—Joseph called Barsabbas who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. The company prayed for the Lord's guidance and then cast lots for them. The lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles, formally becoming one of the Twelve. This event took place before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, marking the completion of the apostolic body before they were empowered for their missionary mandate. Matthias's calling secured the continuity of the apostolic office in redemptive history. As a member of the apostolic company, he bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord and participated in the formation of the early church in Jerusalem and the spread of the gospel. Although Scripture records no further details of his life beyond Acts chapter one, his role as one of the Twelve leaves a lasting example of faithfulness in answering the Lord's call and serving on the foundation of the church.