And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with 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.
- BSB Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to 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 16:8And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
- Josh 18:10And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.
- Jonah 1:7And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.
- 1 Sam 14:41–42Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect lot. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.
- 1 Chr 24:5Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors of the house of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.
- Acts 2:14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
- Prov 16:22Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
- Acts 13:19And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
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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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