Topical Encyclopedia Matthias is a significant yet often understated figure in the New Testament, known for his faithfulness and dedication to the early Christian church. He is primarily recognized for being chosen as an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot following Judas's betrayal and subsequent death. The account of Matthias's selection is found in the Book of Acts, which provides insight into the early church's commitment to maintaining the integrity and continuity of apostolic leadership.Selection of Matthias The selection of Matthias is detailed in Acts 1:15-26. After the ascension of Jesus, Peter stood among the believers, numbering about 120, and addressed the need to fill the vacancy left by Judas. Peter emphasized the importance of fulfilling the Scripture, referencing Psalms, which foretold the need for another to take Judas's place: "For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,' and, 'May another take his position.'" (Acts 1:20). The criteria for selection were clear: the new apostle had to be someone who had been with Jesus throughout His ministry, from the baptism of John until the ascension. This requirement underscored the importance of firsthand witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Two men were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. The believers then prayed for divine guidance, saying, "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). The method of selection was casting lots, a practice rooted in Jewish tradition for discerning God's will. The lot fell to Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26). This process highlights the early church's reliance on prayer and divine providence in decision-making. Role and Ministry Though the New Testament does not provide extensive details about Matthias's subsequent ministry, his inclusion among the apostles signifies his role as a foundational witness to the resurrection and a leader in the early church. The apostles were tasked with spreading the Gospel and establishing the church, a mission that Matthias would have shared. Tradition and various historical accounts suggest that Matthias continued to preach the Gospel and may have traveled to regions such as Judea, Cappadocia, and Ethiopia. Some traditions hold that he was martyred for his faith, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice made by many apostles in their commitment to Christ's commission. Legacy Matthias's faithfulness is exemplified in his willingness to step into the role of an apostle under challenging circumstances. His selection underscores the importance of steadfastness and readiness to serve in the advancement of the Gospel. While not much is known about his life and work, Matthias's inclusion among the apostles serves as a testament to the faithfulness required of those who minister in the name of Christ. His account is a reminder of the divine calling and the responsibility borne by those who are chosen to lead and serve in the Christian faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 1:26And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Teachers and Ministers of the Church. Their Election and ... The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles. Gregory the Patriarch and the Society at Kunwald, 1457-1473. The Brandenburg Confessions. The Emperor and Empress The Church. Canones Synodi Dordrechtan??. Subject Index. Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year From the Close of the General Conference in 1796, to the ... Resources What is Unitarianism? | GotQuestions.orgContemporary Christian music - is it honoring to God? Should it be used in church services? | GotQuestions.org Who are the Two by Twos and the Cooneyites, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ministers are Bound to Build up the Church Ministers are Bound to Comfort Ministers are Bound to Convince Gainsayers Ministers are Bound to Endure Hardness Ministers are Bound to Feed the Church Ministers are Bound to Pray for Their People Ministers are Bound to Preach the Gospel to All Ministers are Bound to Strengthen the Faith of Their People Ministers are Bound to War a Good Warfare Ministers are Bound to Warn Affectionately Ministers are Bound to Watch for Souls Ministers: Ambassadors for Christ Ministers: Authority of, is for Edification Ministers: Commissioned by Christ Ministers: Compared to Earthen Vessels Ministers: Defenders of the Faith Ministers: Entrusted With the Gospel Ministers: Faithful: Archippus Ministers: Faithful: Epaphroditus Ministers: Faithful: The Eleven Apostles Ministers: Faithful: The Seventy Ministers: Have Authority from God Ministers: Labours of, Vain, Without God's Blessing Ministers: Ministers of Christ Ministers: Pray for the Increase of Ministers: Sent by the Holy Spirit Ministers: Separated to the Gospel Ministers: should Avoid Giving Unnecessary Offense Ministers: should be Affectionate to Their People Ministers: should be Apt to Teach Ministers: should be Blameless Ministers: should be Disinterested Ministers: should be Ensample to the Flock Ministers: should be Hospitable Ministers: should be Impartial Ministers: should be Prayerful Ministers: should be Self-Denying Ministers: should be Sober, Just, and Temperate Ministers: should be Strict in Ruling Their own Families Ministers: should be Strong in Grace Ministers: should be Studious and Meditative Ministers: should Make Full Proof of Their Ministry Ministers: should not Be: Contentious Ministers: should not Be: Crafty Ministers: should not Be: Easily Dispirited Ministers: should not Be: Entangled by Cares Ministers: should not Be: Given to Wine Ministers: should not Be: Greedy of Filthy Lucre Ministers: should not Be: Lords Over God's Heritage Ministers: should not Be: Men-Pleasers Ministers: should Preach with Boldness Ministers: should Preach with Consistency Ministers: should Preach with Constancy Ministers: should Preach with Faithfulness Ministers: should Preach with Good Will and Love Ministers: should Preach with Heedfulness Ministers: should Preach with Plainness of Speech Ministers: should Preach with Zeal Ministers: should Preach without Charge, If Possible Ministers: should Preach without Deceitfulness Ministers: should Preach: According to the Oracles of God Ministers: should Preach: Christ Crucified Ministers: should Preach: Everywhere Ministers: should Preach: Fully, and Without Reserve Ministers: should Preach: Not Setting Forth Themselves Ministers: should Preach: Not With Enticing Words of Man's Wisdom Ministers: should Preach: Repentance and Faith Ministers: should Seek the Salvation of Their Flock Ministers: Specially Protected by God Ministers: Stewards of the Mysteries of God Ministers: The Servants of Christ's People Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Attend to Their Instructions Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Follow Their Holy Example Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Give Them Joy Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Help Them Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Hold Them in Reputation Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Imitate Their Faith Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Love Them Ministers: Their People are Bound, to not to Despise Them Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Obey Them Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Pray for Them Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Regard Them As God's Messengers Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Support Them Ministers: when Faithful are Rewarded Ministers: when Faithful: Approve Themselves As the Ministers of God Ministers: when Faithful: Commend Themselves to the Consciences of Men Ministers: when Faithful: Glory in Their People Ministers: when Faithful: Rejoice in the Faith and Holiness of Their People Ministers: when Faithful: Thank God for his Gifts to Their People Ministers: when Unfaithful: Deal Treacherously With Their People Ministers: when Unfaithful: Delude Men Ministers: when Unfaithful: Described Ministers: when Unfaithful: Seek Gain Ministers: when Unfaithful: Shall be Punished Ministers: Woe to Those Who do not Preach the Gospel Related Terms Drink-offering (33 Occurrences) Incense-burners (1 Occurrence) |
    |