Elected to the apostleship instead of Judas the traitor. One "of those which companied with Jesus' disciples all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among them" (Acts 1:21-26). (See APOSTLES.) The 120 disciples nominated ("appointed") two, Joseph Barsabas and Matthias, having the requirements. (See JOSEPH BARSABAS.) The choice between the two was committed in prayer to the Searcher of hearts; lots were then cast, in accordance with Leviticus 16:8; Proverbs 16:33, and Matthias chosen. (See LOTS.) As yet the apostles had not received the full gift of the Holy Spirit. After His descent on Pentecost casting of lots was never repeated, as "the discerning of spirits" in the church made it no longer needful. Eusebius (H. E. i. 12) and Epiphanius (i. 20) make Matthias to have been of the 70 disciples.
From the co-author of the classic Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, Fausset's Bible Dictionary stands as one of the best single-volume Bible encyclopedias ever written for general use. The author's writing style is always clear and concise, and he tackles issues important to the average student of the Bible, not just the Biblical scholars. This makes Fausset an excellent tool for both everyday Bible study and in-depth lesson or sermon preparation.Wikipedia
Read More