Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Matthias is a significant figure in the New Testament, known primarily for being chosen as an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot after Judas' betrayal and subsequent death. His selection is a pivotal moment in the early Church, demonstrating the importance of apostolic succession and the fulfillment of Scripture.
Biblical Account:The account of Matthias is found in the Book of Acts. After the ascension of Jesus, the apostles returned to Jerusalem and gathered in the upper room with other believers. Peter, taking a leadership role, addressed the group of about 120 believers, emphasizing the need to fulfill the Scripture concerning Judas' betrayal and the necessity of appointing another to take his place. Peter cited Psalms, saying, "May another take his position" (
Acts 1:20).
The criteria for Judas' replacement were clear: the new apostle had to be someone who had been with Jesus throughout His ministry, from the baptism by John until His ascension. This requirement ensured that the new apostle could bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus. Two men were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
The apostles 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). They then cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, who was numbered with the eleven apostles (
Acts 1:26).
Role and Significance:Matthias' selection underscores the early Church's commitment to maintaining the integrity and continuity of the apostolic witness. By choosing someone who had been with Jesus from the beginning, the apostles ensured that the testimony of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection remained consistent and credible.
Although Matthias is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, his inclusion among the apostles signifies the restoration of the Twelve, a number symbolically important for representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This restoration was crucial for the Church's mission to be a new spiritual Israel, tasked with spreading the Gospel to all nations.
Tradition and Legacy:While the New Testament does not provide further details about Matthias' ministry, various traditions have emerged regarding his later life. Some early Christian writings suggest that Matthias preached the Gospel in regions such as Judea, Cappadocia, and Ethiopia. Other accounts claim he was martyred for his faith, though the specifics of his death vary among sources.
Matthias' legacy is one of faithfulness and readiness to serve. His willingness to step into the role of apostle highlights the importance of being prepared for God's call, even when it comes unexpectedly. His account serves as a reminder of the vital role each believer plays in the continuation of the Church's mission.
Feast Day:In the liturgical calendar of many Christian traditions, Matthias is commemorated as a saint. His feast day is celebrated on February 24th in the Western Church and on August 9th in the Eastern Orthodox Church. These commemorations honor his contribution to the early Church and his role as a witness to the resurrection of Christ.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
MatthiasMattithiah, same as Mattathias
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Matthias(gift of God), the apostle elected to fill the place of the traitor Judas. (Acts 1:26) All beyond this that we know of him for certainty is that he had been a constant attendant upon the Lord Jesus during the whole course of his ministry; for such was declared by St. Peter to be the necessary qualification of one who was to be a witness of the resurrection. It is said that he preached the gospel and suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia.
ATS Bible Dictionary
MatthiasOne of the disciples who continued with our Savior from his baptism to his ascension,Acts 1:21-26, and was after the ascension associated with the eleven apostles. We know nothing further of him.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Gift of God.
Acts 1:23.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MATTHIASma-thi'-as (Matthias, or Maththias; Mattithyah, "given of Yah"): Matthias was the one upon whom the lot fell when he, along with Joseph Barsabbas, was put forward to fill up the place in the apostleship left vacant by Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26). This election was held at Jerusalem, and the meeting was presided over by Peter. The conditions demanded of the candidates were that they should "have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto the day that he was received up from us," and that the one chosen should "become a witness with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:21, 22). The mode of procedure was by lot, and with prayer was the election made (compareActs 1:24).
Hilgenfeld identifies Matthias with Nathanael (compare NATHANAEL). He was traditionally the author of the "Gospel of Matthias," a heretical work referred to by Origen (Hom. on Luke, i), by Eusebius (Historia Ecclesiastica, III, 25, 6) and by Hieronymus (Proem in Matth.). No trace of it is left. The Gnostic Basilides (circa 133 A.D.) and his son Isidor claimed to ground their doctrine in the "Gospel of Basilides" on the teaching Matthias received directly from the Saviour (Hippol., vii.20) (compare Hennecke, Neutestamentliche Apokryphen, 167). Various parts of the apocryphal "Contendings of the Apostles" deal with the imprisonment and blinding of Matthias by the Ethiopian cannibals, and his rescue by Andrew (compare Budge, Contendings of the Apostles, II, 163, 164, 267-88; see also ANDREW). According to the Martyrdom of Matthias (Budge, II, 289-94) he was sent to Damascus, and died at Phalaeon, a city of Judea. Other sources mention Jerusalem as the place of Matthias' ministry and burial.
C. M. Kerr
Greek
3159.Matthias --Matthias.... 3158, 3159.
Matthias. 3160 .
Matthias. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration:
Matthias Phonetic Spelling: (mat-thee'-as
...3103b. Maththias --Matthias, a Christian
... 3103a, 3103b. Maththias. 3103c .Matthias, a Christian. Transliteration:
Maththias Short Definition:Matthias. Word Origin of Hebrew...
Library
St.Matthias
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR St.Matthias. [1033]275 Praise to the heavenly Wisdom....
Now, My FatherMatthias was not Only Eminent on Account of is...
... Section 2. Now, my fatherMatthias was not only eminent on account of is
nobility? 2. Now, my fatherMatthias was not only eminent...
St.Matthias' Day. Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy...
... St.Matthias' Day. Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Come unto Me, all ye that labour...
Acts of Andrew andMatthias
Acts of Andrew andMatthias. <. Acts of Andrew andMatthias Unknown. Alexander
Walker, Esq. (Translator) Table of Contents. Title Page....
Acts of Andrew andMatthias
Acts of Andrew andMatthias. <.... Acts of Andrew andMatthias. In the
City of the Man-eaters. About that time all the apostles...
Praise to the Heavenly Wisdom
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR Holy Days: St.Matthias 275. Praise to the heavenly Wisdom.
7.6.7.6 D. [1035]Paean: Frederic Weber, 1856. John Ellerton, 1888....
Acts of Andrew andMatthias
Acts of Andrew andMatthias. <....
How the City Jerusalem was Taken, and the Temple Pillaged [By...
... Antiochus Epiphanes]. As Also Concerning The Actions Of The Maccabees,Matthias
And Judas; And Concerning The Death Of Judas. 1. At...
The Family from which I am Derived is not an Ignoble One...
... This Simon Psellus had nine sons, one of whom wasMatthias, called Ephlias: he married
the daughter of Jonathan the high priest, which Jonathan was the first...
The Downfall, 1616-1621.
... to the Protestants they were; according to the Jesuits they were not; and now the
Jesuits used this argument to influence the action ofMatthias, the next King...
Thesaurus
Matthias (2 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary Gift of God. Acts 1:23. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
MATTHIAS.
... Hilgenfeld identifies
Matthias with Nathanael (compare NATHANAEL).
...Matthi'as (2 Occurrences)
Matthi'as.Matthias, Matthi'as. Mattithiah .... Acts 1:23 And they set two, Joseph
called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, andMatthias, (See RSV)....
Andrew (12 Occurrences)
... (2) The "Preaching ofMatthias in the City of the...Matthias then caused the city to
be inundated, the disciples were set free, and the people converted....
Barsabbas (2 Occurrences)
... At the meeting of the brethren under the presidency of Peter in Jerusalem shortly
after the crucifixion, he was, therefore, proposed along withMatthias as a...
Apostle (25 Occurrences)
... 2:16; 2:7, 10, 13; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 11:2). Judas Iscariot, one
of "the twelve," fell by transgression, andMatthias was substituted in his...
Justus (3 Occurrences)
... He andMatthias are mentioned only in Acts 1:23.... Acts 1:23 They put forward two,
Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, andMatthias....
Voted (1 Occurrence)
... Voted (1 Occurrence). Acts 1:26 Then they drew lots between them. The lot fell on
Matthias, and a place among the eleven Apostles was voted to him. (WEY)....
Numbered (209 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV). Acts 1:26 They drew lots for them, and the lot
fell onMatthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles....
Lots (26 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Acts 1:26 They drew lots for them, and the
lot fell onMatthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles....
Eleven (25 Occurrences)
... Acts 1:26 They drew lots for them, and the lot fell onMatthias, and he was numbered
with the eleven apostles. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
Was Matthias or Paul God's choice to replace Judas as the 12th apostle? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Matthias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs apostolic succession biblical? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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