The Apostle Matthias
Matthias. Who was he and why is his story important? Perhaps you have read about this man. Perhaps this is the first you are learning of him. There is not a lot of information about Matthias, yet his role in serving God is one of the most important. We don’t know if he was tall or short, fat or thin, or if he spoke with a deep voice, or if he was married and had children.
Matthias was called to be an Apostle, after the death of Judas. God has a unique and special purpose for each of His creations. God called certain people to great journeys back in biblical time and God calls people to great journeys today. Some people may feel that they know the purpose for which God has called them. Are you certain of your calling or are you praying and asking God for the answer? Others will always wonder and second guess what they believe about the calling on their life. Scripture shares a tiny bit of the life of Matthias. Even though we may not know a great deal of information about Matthias, his role in the story of life is an important one.
There were 12 disciples/apostles chosen by Jesus. Each man had an important role in sharing the message of God. Twelve was the number of men chosen for this special calling. The original 12 chosen to be Apostles were Peter, James, John, Andrew, Bartholomew or Nathaniel, James, Judas, Jude or Thaddeus, Matthew or Levi, Philip, Simon the Zealot, and Thomas. The number 12 is significant, according to scholars, because that number represents the 12 tribes of Israel. This signifies the renewal of the covenant between God and humans.
Who Was Matthias and What Was His Story?
Matthias was chosen to be one of the Apostles after Judas of Iscariot had betrayed Jesus and died (Acts 1:26 NIV). The Bible shares in the book of Acts, that the betrayal and arrest of Jesus were foretold long ago by the Holy Spirit. There were 12 men chosen to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthias was the only one who was not chosen by Jesus during His time on the earth. In the book of Acts, we read that the Apostles returned from the Mount of Olives and went upstairs to the room where they were staying. This is often referred to as the “upper room.” Judas of Iscariot was no longer with them. He had betrayed Jesus with a kiss, which led soldiers to arrest Jesus. That arrest led to the trial and crucifixion of the Lord.
Why Did the Apostles Need to Replace Judas Iscariot?
After Judas of Iscariot betrayed Jesus with a kiss, Judas was ashamed for leading the soldiers to Jesus. That kiss was a sign. The man he kissed on the cheek would show those trying to arrest Jesus that it was truly Him. After that betrayal of Jesus, life would never be the same for Judas. He had betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-6 NIV). When Judas realized what he had done, he was remorseful. Scripture tells that he threw the money he received into the temple, went away and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5 NIV).
Eleven apostles were left. The group knew they needed to choose another person to replace Judas. Choosing that person was important and key to completing their group.
What Was the Process for Choosing a Replacement?
Imagine the pressure of choosing the correct person to join the group of Apostles. Jesus had chosen the original 12 and now, one was gone.
I wonder if they thought their decision would be the right one. According to Scripture, they joined together in prayer. The 11 knew they needed God to help with choosing the right person to help spread the message of God. There were other people in the upper room when they prayed. Scripture shares that women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers were there praying, too (Acts 1:14 NIV).
Peter, speaking to the group, reminds them what is written in the book of Psalms (Acts 1:20-22 NIV). This Scripture gives insight that Matthias had been with the group the whole time Jesus was alive on earth. They needed to choose someone who had been with them the whole time and who was a true believer and would join them in sharing the message of God.
Two choices for Judas’ replacement were presented. The two were Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
The group of men didn’t try to make the decision on their own. They prayed to God and asked Him to show them which man to choose. Lots were cast, which was a normal procedure in those times, and Matthias was chosen.
I wonder how Matthias took the news. Did he stand humbly and accept the invitation to join them? Or did he shout “hooray” and share his joy?
Instead of taking matters into their own hands and making a choice, the Apostles asked God for His guidance first. That is an important lesson for us. Always go to God first.
After Matthias was chosen, he was added to the Apostles. We don’t learn more about Matthias. Scripture does share that the one to be chosen to replace Judas would be one of the men who had been with the group the whole time Jesus was living among them, from the time of John’s baptism to when Jesus was taken up from them (Acts 1:21-22 NIV).
Each Apostle died in a unique way. Yet, each lived a life for Christ. Their calling and sharing of the Word of God is forever important. Even Judas had a special role to play in ministry.
10 Lessons We Can Learn from Matthias and His Induction into Ministry
There are lessons to be learned in each moment of life. We can glean wisdom and discernment by reading Scripture and learning more about the people who loved and followed Jesus. We can also learn from those people who despised Him and sought to end His life. Scripture shares God had a plan for His Son and God has a plan for each of us, too.
Here are some lessons we can learn from Matthias.
God is always with us.
Prayer opens the door to a closer relationship with the Lord.
Anyone can be called by God, at any time, to further His kingdom and share His message.
God often chooses the weak and the humble to serve.
God equips those whom He calls.
When we are called to share about God, pray and know that God will lead the conversation.
We don’t need to be placed on a pedestal when we share His Word. The glory goes to Him, not us.
We may not be famous, but we are blessed and loved by the Father.
God can call us to serve Him at any moment of life. We are never too old or too young to share His love with others.
Sharing the love of Christ and the message of God can come through our words and actions.
Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 NIV).
As a young girl, I knew a man named Matthias. He was a great friend and neighbor. When my husband and I married, we bought a house near Mr. Matthias. There was a fence and an alley separating our backyards. When our son was old enough to talk, we would stand at the back fence and young Michael would call for our friend, “Matthias!” The older man would leave his back porch and visit with us every time his name was called.
This memory makes me think of Matthias in the Bible leaving his home and journeying to share conversation and the love of God with others.
Thank you to Matthias of the Bible and to our friend Mr. Matthias.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Lorenzo Antonucc
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
