This Bible study lesson from Acts 1:12-26 focuses on events following Jesus’ ascension. It also covers Matthias’ replacement for Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles. The passage provides insight into the events leading to the choice. Matthias or Justus? We’ll learn how Matthias became the 12th disciple.
After Jesus was resurrected the disciples numbered eleven. Judas committed suicide and had to be replaced. But who would take his place? Let’s read the interesting chain of events.
Choosing Matthias – Matthias Becomes a Disciple
Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias.
And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”
And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. – Acts 1:21-26 NASB
The First Prayer Meeting
These verses are a key point in what’s about to happen in the disciples’ lives – and in Christianity’s history! They are a tipping point that will forever change the course of the faith.
Christ promised to return and baptize them with the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist foretold Christ’s plan. This promise, along with John’s prophecies, provided hope and encouragement. This would give them the power and determination to spread the gospel throughout the Jewish regions.
And, the message would multiply “to the ends of the earth.” At the time of this writing, there are approximately 2.7 million conversions to Christianity every year. This is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the power of the gospel to spread to all nations.
Matthias is The Choice
In the upper room, the disciples met and prayed, anxiously awaiting their Lord’s return. Little did they know that the power of the Holy Spirit was about to change their lives forever.
The attendees included the disciples, Jesus’ brothers (including James, who now believed in Christ). The group included about 120 people in total, according to Scripture (vs. 15). This gathering was a testament to the expanding influence of Jesus and His teachings.
But, There Were Only Eleven Disciples!
The disciples were a group. But they were a group with a missing person – Judas Iscariot. The disciples took action as they needed a twelfth apostle.
Definition (Wikipedia):
“According to the Bible’s New Testament, the Apostles are the primary disciples of Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure in Christianity. During Jesus’ life and ministry in the first century AD, the apostles were his closest followers and became the primary teachers of the gospel message.”
The disciples met in the Upper Room in Jerusalem to choose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot, as described in the Book of Acts. In addition to this being a place of prayer, this was also a church business meeting, so to speak. They needed to choose one disciple to make 12. As the disciples gathered, the decision they made was crucial spiritually and important for the business of getting out the word.
Asking God for Guidance through Prayer
In my church, as in many others, deacons or elders meet to keep the church running smoothly. They also make decisions for the present and the future. We believe that prayer is an important part of the decision-making process, and that asking God for guidance is essential in order to ensure that the church is making decisions that are in line with His will.
The pastor cannot attend to every detail of what needs to be done so we need the deacon body. During the decision-making process, the most important step is to pray and ask for guidance.
You see, God does not work on our schedules. He works in His own time and within His own plan. For example, He may direct us to do something differently than we would have done it on our own.
If the church is in sync with what God needs to further His kingdom, success results. So, it’s important to be patient and trust in God’s plan. This is the only one that will lead to true success. Ultimately, trusting in God’s plan is the key to successful church ministry.
The Disciples Let God Choose Matthias – What are Our Plans?
When faced with decisions in our lives, especially important ones, we need to follow the example the disciples left for us, and in this order. .
1. Pray
2. Listen
3 Then Do
It is really important to wait for answers from the Lord and trust in His divine plan for success. But if you are like me, many times I do step three first – it just doesn’t work that way, does it?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to go here and take the first steps.