Peter said they must choose another apostle to replace Judas Iscariot in order to restore the number of the Twelve and fulfill Scripture. This was an essential step in reestablishing the foundational leadership of the early church as commissioned by Christ.
Acts 1:15–17 records Peter addressing the gathered disciples:
“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, ‘Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.’”
Peter did not act on his own initiative. He pointed to the necessity of fulfilling prophecy. Psalm 41:9 and Psalm 109:8 are both alluded to:
“Let his dwelling place be desolate, and let no one live in it”; and, “Let another take his office.”
(Acts 1:20)
The betrayal and death of Judas left the apostolic circle incomplete. The number twelve was not arbitrary, it represented the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus Himself had appointed twelve apostles (Luke 6:13), reflecting the new covenant structure of God’s people.
In choosing another, Peter laid out qualifications that had to be met:
“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
(Acts 1:21–22)
The replacement had to be someone who had followed Jesus throughout His public ministry and was an eyewitness of His resurrection. This ensured continuity and credibility in their testimony.
Two men were proposed, Joseph (called Barsabbas) and Matthias. The disciples then prayed:
“You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen…”
(Acts 1:24)
They cast lots, a method used under the Old Covenant to discern God’s will, and Matthias was chosen:
“And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”
(Acts 1:26)
This act reaffirmed the apostolic foundation before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It demons/”>demonstrated obedience to Scripture, dependence on God’s guidance, and the necessity of qualified witnesses to establish the church.
