After the death of Judas Iscariot, in response to Psalm 109:8, it became necessary for the others to replace him as an apostle. The two men considered, Matthias and Joseph (Barsabas Justus), were faithful disciples who had witness the entire ministry of Jesus. One of them was to officially become “a witness with us of His resurrection” (22).
This was not a choosing made by the disciples. Instead they left the choosing entirely to God. First, they prayed to God. They asked God to “who which of these two You have chosen” (24).
Second, they cast their lots. Typically, the casting of lots would only choose through chance. But this time the context indicates that God was in control. This was the disciples’ way to accede all will to God Himself.
The lot fell on Matthias. He truly became one of the twelve. His name is not mentioned again, but with the others he had the responsibility of teaching and edifying the church during its infancy.
