CHARACTER STUDY OF MATTHIAS – REPLACED JUDAS ISCARIOT AS AN APOSTLE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 1:23-26
"So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."
Supporting Texts: Psalm 109:8, Acts 1:15-22, Luke 6:13
INTRODUCTION:
Matthias is one of the lesser-known figures in the New Testament, but his selection as an apostle after Judas Iscariot’s betrayal is significant. Though not originally among the Twelve, he was chosen to restore the apostolic number to twelve, symbolising the continuity of God’s plan. His life teaches us about divine selection, faithfulness, and the importance of being ready when God calls.
1. MATTHIAS WAS A FAITHFUL FOLLOWER OF CHRIST
a) He had been with Jesus from the beginning (Acts 1:21-22)
He followed Jesus throughout His earthly ministry.
b) He witnessed Jesus’ teachings and miracles (Luke 8:1-3)
He saw firsthand the power of Christ.
c) He remained committed even when others left (John 6:66-67)
Unlike some, he did not abandon Jesus.
d) He was present after Jesus' resurrection (Acts 1:22)
He was a witness to Christ’s victory over death.
e) Biblical Example: The 120 believers in the upper room also showed faithfulness (Acts 1:15).
2. MATTHIAS WAS CHOSEN BY DIVINE APPOINTMENT
a) He was selected among two candidates (Acts 1:23)
The disciples considered both Matthias and Barsabbas.
b) The apostles sought God’s guidance (Acts 1:24-25)
They prayed for divine direction.
c) The decision was made by casting lots (Acts 1:26)
This method was used in Old Testament times to reveal God’s will.
d) The choice fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 109:8)
The vacant position of Judas had to be replaced.
e) Biblical Example: David was chosen by divine appointment over his brothers (1 Samuel 16:11-13).
3. MATTHIAS JOINED THE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY
a) He became one of the Twelve (Acts 1:26)
His name was now among the apostles.
b) He took up the responsibility of an apostle (Acts 1:17)
He was called to preach and bear witness.
c) He continued the work of spreading the gospel (Acts 2:42-43)
He was part of the early church movement.
d) His name was not prominent, but his impact was lasting (Acts 6:7)
The gospel spread through faithful men like him.
e) Biblical Example: The seven deacons, though not widely mentioned, played a crucial role in the church (Acts 6:1-6).
4. MATTHIAS REPRESENTS GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IN REWARDING COMMITMENT
a) He was not originally one of the Twelve (Luke 6:13-16)
But he remained faithful in the background.
b) He patiently waited for God’s time (Psalm 37:7)
He did not seek position but was chosen in due time.
c) He was prepared for the role before he was chosen (2 Timothy 2:15)
His consistency made him fit for the assignment.
d) God exalts those who remain steadfast (1 Peter 5:6)
He was lifted because of his faithfulness.
e) Biblical Example: Joseph in Egypt was exalted after years of faithfulness (Genesis 41:39-41).
5. MATTHIAS SHOWS THAT GOD ALWAYS HAS A REPLACEMENT
a) No one is indispensable in God's work (Acts 1:20)
Judas' position was filled by another.
b) God's work continues despite human failure (Matthew 16:18)
Judas' betrayal did not stop God's plan.
c) Those who fall are replaced by the faithful (1 Samuel 15:28)
Saul lost his place to David.
d) God raises unknown people for great assignments (Luke 1:52)
Matthias was not famous, but God chose him.
e) Biblical Example: Elijah thought he was alone, but God had 7,000 others (1 Kings 19:18).
STRENGTHS OF MATTHIAS
a) He was a devoted disciple (Acts 1:21-22)
He followed Jesus from the beginning.
b) He remained faithful in the background (Luke 9:23)
Even when unnoticed, he was committed.
c) He was prepared for his calling (2 Timothy 4:2)
He was ready when the opportunity came.
d) He was chosen by divine guidance (Acts 1:24-26)
His selection was not based on human preference.
e) He fulfilled his role as an apostle (Acts 2:42-47)
He continued the mission of Christ.
WEAKNESSES OF MATTHIAS
a) He is not mentioned again after Acts 1 (Acts 1:26)
His impact is not recorded in detail.
b) His ministry was overshadowed by other apostles (Acts 2-5)
Peter and Paul were more prominent.
c) There is little biblical record of his contributions (Acts 6:1-7)
Unlike others, his works were not documented.
d) He might have faced opposition due to his selection (Acts 6:8-10)
Some could have questioned his apostleship.
e) His method of selection (casting lots) was never repeated (Acts 1:26)
Later, apostles were chosen through direct revelation (Acts 13:2).
LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF MATTHIAS
a) God rewards faithfulness, even when unnoticed (Luke 16:10)
Matthias was chosen because he had been faithful.
b) We should always be prepared for divine opportunities (2 Timothy 2:21)
Matthias was ready when God called.
c) God's timing is perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Matthias waited patiently and was chosen at the right time.
d) No one is indispensable in God's kingdom (1 Samuel 16:1)
If one fails, God raises another.
e) Divine selection is based on God's will, not human qualifications (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)
God chooses the unlikely for His purpose.
CONCLUSION:
Matthias' life teaches us about faithfulness, patience, and divine selection. Though he was not initially among the Twelve, his commitment positioned him for God's appointment. His story reminds us that God sees those who remain steadfast, and at the right time, He rewards them.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to remain faithful even when unnoticed.
2. Father, prepare me for the opportunities You have for me.
3. Lord, help me to wait patiently for Your perfect timing.
4. Father, remove every spirit of impatience and self-promotion from my life.
5. Lord, when my time of elevation comes, let me not miss it.
