Theory question 106
Pentecost and the Early Church(a) What led to the selection of Matthias as one of the Apostles? (b) How was the selection conducted?
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(a) Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, had betrayed Jesus, guiding those who arrested Him (Acts 1:16-17).
He bought a field with the reward of his wickedness, fell headlong and died; the field was called Akeldama (Acts 1:18-19).
Peter said scripture had to be fulfilled: "Let his habitation become desolate" and "His office let another take" (Acts 1:20).
The twelve had to be complete as witnesses before the coming of the Spirit.
(b) In the days after the Ascension, Peter stood among about 120 brethren (Acts 1:15).
The new apostle must be one who had been with them from John's baptism to the Ascension, a witness of the resurrection (Acts 1:21-22).
They put forward two: Joseph called Barsabbas (Justus) and Matthias (Acts 1:23).
They prayed, "Lord, who knows the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen" (Acts 1:24-25).
They cast lots; the lot fell on Matthias, and he was enrolled with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26).
Explain Judas' fall and the need to replace him, then the selection steps.