Choosing Matthias – Matthias Becomes a Disciple
Bible Study Lessons: Acts 1:12-26
Matthias or Justus? This story from Acts shows how Matthias became the 12th disciple.
After Jesus was resurrected the disciples were eleven.
Judas committed suicide and so had to be replaced.
But, who would take his place? Let’s read the interesting chain of events.
Disciples Choose Matthias
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 lives of the disciples – and in the history of Christianity!
Christ promised to come back and baptize them with the Holy Spirit which would give them the power and determination to spread the gospel throughout the Jewish regions and “to the ends of the earth.”
In the upper room, they met and prayed, anxiously awaiting the return of their Lord.
The attendees included the disciples, Jesus’ brothers (including James who now believed in the Christ), 120 people in the total count according to Scripture (vs. 15).
But, There Were Only Eleven Disciples
The disciples were a group, but they were a group with a missing person – Judas Iscariot. He needed to be replaced so 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 the life and ministry of Jesus in the first century AD, the apostles were his closest followers and became the primary teachers of the gospel message of Jesus.”
In addition to this being a place of prayer, this was also a church business meeting, so to speak.
They needed to choose a new disciple to make the number 12.
Asking God for Guidance through Prayer
In my church, as in many others, deacons or elders meet to keep the church running smoothly and to make decisions for the present and the future.
We need this body as a pastor cannot attend to every detail of what needs to be done.
During the decision making process, the most important step is to pray and ask for guidance.
You see, God does not work on our schedule. He works in His own time and within His own plan.
If the church is in sync with what God needs to further His kingdom, the results are success.
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
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.