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12 Then they returned unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day’s journey.

13 And when they had come in, they went up into an upper room where abode both Peter and James, and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the brother of James.

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brethren.

15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (the number of names altogether were about a hundred and twenty) and said,

16 “Men and brethren, it was necessary that this Scripture be fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas, who was the guide to those who took Jesus.

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained a part of this ministry.

18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the middle, and all his bowels gushed out.

19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem, insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Akel Dama, that is to say, the Field of Blood.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein’; and, ‘His bishopric let another take.’

21 Therefore from these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 beginning from the baptism of John until that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.”

23 And they appointed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed and said, “Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show us which of these two Thou hast chosen,

25 that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”

26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

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Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem(A) from the hill called the Mount of Olives,(B) a Sabbath day’s walk[a] from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room(C) where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.(D) 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer,(E) along with the women(F) and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.(G)

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters,[b](H) the Scripture had to be fulfilled(I) in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas,(J) who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number(K) and shared in our ministry.”(L)

18 (With the payment(M) he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field;(N) there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language(O) Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted;
    let there be no one to dwell in it,’[c](P)

and,

“‘May another take his place of leadership.’[d](Q)

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism(R) to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness(S) with us of his resurrection.”

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed,(T) “Lord, you know everyone’s heart.(U) Show us(V) which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.(W)

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 1:12 That is, about 5/8 mile or about 1 kilometer
  2. Acts 1:16 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 6:3; 11:29; 12:17; 16:40; 18:18, 27; 21:7, 17; 28:14, 15.
  3. Acts 1:20 Psalm 69:25
  4. Acts 1:20 Psalm 109:8