Matthias Steps Up

Acts 1:1–5 “1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.””

Acts- NT historical book in the Bible library

Part 2 of Luke’s amicus brief

Picks up after Jesus’ resurrection

Something New is beginning

The Election of Matthias

Acts 1:12–26 “12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.”

18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “ ‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “ ‘Let another take his office.’

21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”

23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

In-house debate

Controversy- was Paul or Matthias supposed to be the 12th disciple?

did Peter get ahead of what God wanted to do?

Peter did what a leader does- identified a need and led toward a solution

he based his reasoning on scripture

Matthias was a faithful servant of the Church, even to martyrdom. (beheading in Jerusalem)

Argument of Silence- if there is an argument of silence regarding Matthias, the same is true for Andrew, Thomas, Bartholomew, James the son of Alpaheus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the son of James, etc.

Definition and Qualities of an Apostle

apostle= one who is sent on mission (apostolos- maritime fleet being sent)

the role apostle might be compared to a missionary in today’s context

Peter defines Apostolic candidates by their presence in the ministry of Jesus and discipleship with Jesus himself. (v 22)

This excludes “modern day apostles” and “pay to play apostles”

the Office of Apostle was uniquely held by the first century leaders of the Church (11 disciples, Matthias, Paul)

Matthias is Bold

following after Jesus

following after Judas Iscariot

his inclusion was by the leading of the Spirit, not of his own ambition

What about Joseph/Barsabbas/Justus

He remains available to the ministry of the Church, just in a different role.

Acts 15:22–23 “22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 with the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.” …

Be Bold in the Lord

bold leadership of one’s self

servant leadership within one’s family

servant leadership within the body of Christ

Kingdom leadership within one’s community