Who was Matthias in the Bible?

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MATTHIAS

The Replacement Apostle

Profile:

Matthias was one of the 12 Apostles. He was selected by God to replace Judas Iscariot.

Birth:

Nothing is known about the birth of Matthias. Using the traditions surrounding his death, it seems likely he was born a few years after Jesus, perhaps 1-5 A.D..

Death:

Greek traditions suggest Matthias was martyred near the Black Sea around 80 A.D. after preaching in modern day Turkey and Georgia. According to other traditions, he died in Jerusalem.

Life and Ministry:

Matthias is only mentioned by name in one chapter of the Bible, but he played a significant role in the formation of the early Church. Matthais was a part of the group known as the 12 Apostles, but his inclusion in the group happened in a unique way. When Judas Iscariot, on of the 12, betrayed Jesus and killed himself, the Holy Spirit directed the Apostles to replace him with a new man. In Acts 1, two candidates were selected for consideration, Joseph called Barsabas and Matthias. To make the final decision, the 11 Apostles prayed to God and cast lots. The lot fell on Matthias and he was installed as the 12th Apostle.

Although he is never mentioned directly in the accounts of the life of Jesus, we know Matthias was a student of Jesus’ from the very beginning of His ministry (Acts 1:21-22).

Matthias worked alongside the other 11 Apostles to guide the Church in the years following Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. He was a recipient of the Holy Spirit’s power in Acts 2, which enabled him to preach and perform miracles to prove Jesus was the Christ of God.