Matthias Chosen

15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers and sisters[a]—the number of people who were together was about a hundred twenty—and said, 16 “Brothers and sisters, it was necessary that the Scripture be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David foretold about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.(A) 17 For he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”(B) 18 Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst, his body burst open and his intestines spilled out.(C) 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, “Field of Blood”). 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

Let his dwelling become desolate;
let no one live in it; [b] and
Let someone else take his position.[c](D)

21 “Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of his resurrection.”(E)

23 So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.(F) 24 Then they prayed,(G) “You, Lord, know everyone’s hearts; show which of these two you have chosen(H) 25 to take the place[d] in this apostolic ministry(I) that Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots(J) for them, and the lot fell to Matthias and he was added to the eleven apostles.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:15 Other mss read disciples
  2. 1:20 Ps 69:25
  3. 1:20 Ps 109:8
  4. 1:25 Other mss read to share

15 During this time, when about 120 believers[a] were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. 17 Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”

18 (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. 19 The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)

20 Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’[b]

21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

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Footnotes

  1. 1:15 Greek brothers.
  2. 1:20 Pss 69:25; 109:8.