Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Parallel translations
- WEB They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
- KJV And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
- NKJV And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
- NASB And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
- NLT Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
They cast lots, and the lot falls on Matthias, who is numbered with the eleven. It completes the restored circle of twelve apostles.
Overview
Casting lots, an Old Testament way of seeking God's decision, is used before the Spirit is poured out at Pentecost; this is the last such instance in Scripture. Matthias is added to restore the Twelve, fitting the symbolism of Israel's twelve tribes. The apostolic foundation is now complete for the church's birth.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- Lev 16:8After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat,
- Josh 18:10And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions.
- Jonah 1:7“Come!” said the sailors to one another. “Let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity that is upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.
- 1 Sam 14:41–42So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim; but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge.
- 1 Chr 24:5Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants.
- Acts 2:14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words.
- Prov 16:22Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
- Acts 13:19And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.
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Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
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Original language
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