And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

ACTS 1:26KJV
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Acts 1:26 (KJV)

What does Acts 1:26 mean?

Acts 1:26 describes how the early followers of Jesus chose Matthias to replace Judas as one of the twelve apostles by casting lots, and Matthias was then counted as part of the group of apostles. This verse shows the final step in selecting a new apostle, using a method that relied on chance or divine guidance.

The setting is just after Jesus’ ascension, with the remaining eleven apostles and other believers gathered in Jerusalem. Peter had explained the need to replace Judas, and two candidates were put forward. Casting lots was a common ancient practice for making important decisions, reflecting trust that God would guide the outcome. This verse marks the restoration of the group of twelve apostles, which held symbolic importance for the early church.

The Greek behind Acts 1:26

  • "κλῆρος" (klēros, G2819) means "lot" and refers to the physical object or method used to make a choice by chance. The use of "lots" here shows the community’s reliance on God’s will rather than personal preference.
  • "συγκαταψήφιστος" (sugkatapsēphistos, G4785) is translated as "numbered" and means to be counted together with a group. This word emphasizes that Matthias was officially and fully included among the apostles, not just informally added.

Why Acts 1:26 matters

  • Acts 1:26 clarifies that the apostles did not simply vote or choose Matthias themselves, but used a method that was seen as allowing God to make the decision.
  • This verse highlights the importance of restoring the number of apostles to twelve, which symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel and continuity with God’s earlier work.
  • The process described in Acts 1:26 connects the early church’s actions to practices found in the Hebrew Scriptures, showing continuity in how God’s people sought guidance.

Where else these words appear

“Matthias” Greek G3159 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 1:23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

“eleven” Greek G1733 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
  • Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
  • Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

“lots” Greek G2819 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
  • John 19:24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.
  • Acts 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

“apostles” Greek G652 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
  • 2 Corinthians 11:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.