📖 Biblical Definition
Matthias was the disciple chosen by the eleven apostles in the days between the Ascension and Pentecost to fill the apostolic office vacated by Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26). Peter cited Psalm 109:8 as warrant: "his bishoprick let another take." Two candidates met the criterion — that he had accompanied them "all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us". The two were Joseph called Barsabas (surnamed Justus) and Matthias. They prayed and cast lots; "the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles" (1:26). Matthias appears no further in Scripture by name. Tradition variously places his ministry in Ethiopia or Cappadocia. The Twelve was complete by Pentecost.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The disciple chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles (Acts 1:21-26).
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Acts 1:15-26 records the only New Testament reference. Peter set the criterion: a man who had been with the Lord from John's baptism through the day He was taken up — an eyewitness of the resurrection. Two qualified: Joseph called Barsabas (Justus) and Matthias.
After prayer and casting lots, Matthias was numbered with the apostles. He is not mentioned again in the New Testament; tradition variously sends him to Ethiopia, Cappadocia, or Jerusalem to martyrdom.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 1:21 — "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us."
Acts 1:23 — "And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias."
Acts 1:26 — "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles."
Proverbs 16:33 — "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Some treat Matthias as an apostolic mistake (since Paul comes later); Acts presents his selection as a regular act of the gathered church under the Spirit's guidance.
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Two responsible patterns are visible in Acts 1: a clear criterion (eyewitness from baptism to ascension), and a deliberate use of the lot under prayer (Prov 16:33). The eleven did not improvise an apostle; they followed a method.
Whether Paul's later apostleship makes the count thirteen or whether Matthias should not have been chosen is an old debate. Acts itself presents the selection as orderly, prayerful, and accepted by the church.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
His Hebrew name names him a gift of Yahweh.
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Hebrew Mattityahu — ‘gift of Yahweh’; from mattan (gift) plus the divine name.
Note: cognate with Matthew, the apostle and Gospel-writer; same root, different transliteration.
Usage
"Two qualified; the lot fell; the church accepted."
"Apostolic selection had criteria; the modern church can learn from them."
"The disposing of the lot is of the Lord, even when no one recognizes the disposed."