A New Member

A New Member

Q: Who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as a disciple/apostle?

• a. Justus
• b. Demetrius
• c. Matthias

After Jesus went back to heaven, the 11 remaining disciples were called apostles. A disciple is a learner, and that’s what the 12 men were when Jesus was on earth teaching them. But once Jesus went back to heaven, they became apostles, which are messengers of the good news of salvation.

The early church began to grow. There were about 120 believers who had joined together. The apostles needed to choose someone to replace Judas. There were many men who’d followed Jesus during his ministry, but the apostles were the inner circle of 12, who were specifically chosen by Jesus. They now had to choose a man with God’s guidance.

The apostles narrowed the choice down to two men, Joseph (also called Barsabbas or Justus) and Matthias. The apostles prayed over the men, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias.

Matthias became an apostle in a very exciting time as the early church was being formed. The news about Jesus’ resurrection was spreading, and people were believing in Jesus and being added to God’s family every day. But there were also people who hated Jesus’ followers, so there were hard times and persecution, too.

For You

You live in a time and place where there are churches, and people are free to worship as they please. But there are people today who hate Jesus’ followers, just as there were in the apostles’ time. Be active in your local church, and join together with those who love God so you’ll be strengthened for when you run into those who don’t.

Answer: c

Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.   Acts 1:26

(The Whole Story: Acts 1:12-26)