The ordination of Matthias as an apostle is a significant event in the early Christian church, marking the first instance of apostolic succession following the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 1:15-26, and it highlights the early church's commitment to maintaining the integrity and continuity of the apostolic ministry.

Context and Background

After the ascension of Jesus Christ, the apostles returned to Jerusalem, where they gathered in the upper room along with other believers, numbering about 120 in total (Acts 1:15). During this time, Peter, taking a leadership role, addressed the assembly regarding the need to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot. Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, met a tragic end, and his position as one of the Twelve needed to be filled to restore the group to its full number.

Criteria for Selection

Peter outlined the criteria for selecting a new apostle, emphasizing the importance of eyewitness testimony to the resurrection of Jesus. The candidate needed to have been with Jesus and the apostles from the time of John's baptism until the ascension. This requirement ensured that the new apostle could bear firsthand witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, which was central to the apostolic mission (Acts 1:21-22).

The Process of Selection

Two men were proposed as candidates: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. The assembly then prayed for divine guidance, seeking the Lord's will in choosing the right person to take on this apostolic role. They prayed, "Lord, You know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place" (Acts 1:24-25).

Following their prayer, the apostles cast lots, a common practice in Jewish tradition for making decisions, trusting that God would direct the outcome. The lot fell to Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26).

Significance of Matthias' Ordination

The ordination of Matthias underscores the early church's reliance on prayer and divine guidance in decision-making. It also highlights the importance of apostolic witness and continuity in the church's mission. By restoring the number of apostles to twelve, the church maintained the symbolic representation of the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of a new covenant community.

Matthias' selection also serves as a testament to the church's commitment to uphold the integrity of its leadership and the apostolic foundation upon which it was built. Although Matthias is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, his ordination as an apostle affirms the church's dedication to preserving the apostolic witness and advancing the gospel message.Acts 1:26
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Nave's Topical Index

Of the Power and Authoritie Given to Synods.
... best Divines, as not appliable to Christian churches;) but ... For then a Minister in
neglecting to preach ... ordination, although Act.1. be alledged, where Matthias ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap vi of the power.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... He received ordination as elder at the hands of Bishop Roberts, July 2, 1820. ... felt
the presence of a friend and the influence of a Christian and minister. ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ...
... utility, necessity, and dignity of the Christian ministry, sec.1 ... The next question
is, Whether a minister should be ... says Cyprian, "show that the ordination of a ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 of the teachers.htm

Acts v. 34
... ie "putting forth the hand,") or ordination: the hand ... is the first record of dissension
in the Christian Church. ... relates not to the deacons who minister in the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv acts v 34.htm

The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles.
... and Simon the Canaanite, [3226] and Matthias, who instead ... wife which they had when
they came to ordination. ... we have sent it by our fellow-minister Clement, our ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii the heresies attacked by.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... A certain "continuity of Christian thought" is not the ... On the second Sunday after
his ordination, in fulfilment ... the roof of the Episcopal minister, Mr. Vandyke ...
/.../centenary commemoration 2.htm

Concerning Sacerdotal Consecrations.
... fell as a Divine intimation upon Matthias, others have ... the distinctive feature of
the ordination of Priests ... ranks of those initiated, and minister their saving ...
/.../dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/caput v i concerning sacerdotal.htm

Introduction.
... from the apostolical succession of the minister, is so ... the systems, as such, false
and anti-christian. ... The Ordination Service, with the subscription to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/introduction.htm

The Form of Concord. AD 1577.
... John ??pinus, [584] a Lutheran minister in Hamburg ... the whole idea of Christian worship. ...
ritual, including confirmation, episcopal ordination, extreme unction ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 45 the form of.htm

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
... See Achior the Ammonite. Ammonius, the Neo-Platonist, [171]265, [172]266. Ammonius,
a Christian writer, [173]266, [174]267. Ammonius, a martyr, [175]334. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/the church history of eusebius.htm

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