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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 1:26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/1-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/44_Act_01_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 1:26 - Matthias Replaces Judas" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/1-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/1-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/1-25.htm" title="Acts 1:25">◄</a> Acts 1:26 <a href="/acts/2-1.htm" title="Acts 2:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/1.htm">New International Version</a> Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. <a href="/nlt/acts/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. <a href="/esv/acts/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/bsb/acts/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles. <a href="/blb/acts/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And they gave lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/kjv/acts/1.htm">King James Bible</a> And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/nkjv/acts/1.htm">New King James Version</a> And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/nasb_/acts/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. <a href="/nasb/acts/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. <a href="/nasb77/acts/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/lsb/acts/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. <a href="/amp/acts/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. <a href="/csb/acts/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias and he was added to the eleven apostles. <a href="/hcsb/acts/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles. <a href="/asv/acts/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they gave lots for them; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/cev/acts/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They drew names, and Matthias was chosen to join the group of the eleven apostles. <a href="/erv/acts/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they gave lots for them; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/gwt/acts/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They drew names to choose an apostle. Matthias was chosen and joined the eleven apostles. <a href="/gnt/acts/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then they drew lots to choose between the two men, and the one chosen was Matthias, who was added to the group of eleven apostles. <a href="/isv/acts/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> So they drew lots for them, and when the lot fell on Matthias, he was enrolled with the eleven apostles. <a href="/net/acts/1.htm">NET Bible</a> Then they cast lots for them, and the one chosen was Matthias; so he was counted with the eleven apostles. <a href="/nheb/acts/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/wbt/acts/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/wey/acts/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then they drew lots between them. The lot fell on Matthias, and a place among the eleven Apostles was voted to him.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/acts/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles. <a href="/web/acts/1.htm">World English Bible</a> They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was counted with the eleven apostles. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and they gave their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/blb/acts/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And they gave lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/ylt/acts/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and they gave their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/slt/acts/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he gave their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was voted together with the eleven sent.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And they gave them lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/cpdv/acts/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And they cast lots concerning them, and the lot fell upon Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven Apostles. <a href="/nabre/acts/1.htm">New American Bible</a> Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Mat-thi’as; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And they cast lots, and it came up to Matthaya, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles. <div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And they gave in their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias: and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/godbey/acts/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And they gave lots for them, and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/haweis/acts/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And they drew lots for them and the lot fell to Matthias and he was by unanimous suffrage numbered with the eleven apostles.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and having drawn lots; the lot fell upon Matthias, who was added to the eleven apostles. <a href="/wey/acts/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then they drew lots between them. The lot fell on Matthias, and a place among the eleven Apostles was voted to him. <a href="/worrell/acts/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And they gave lots for them; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. <a href="/worsley/acts/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And they gave out their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the apostles. <a href="/parallel/acts/1-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=242" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/1.htm">Matthias Replaces Judas</a> …25to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” 26<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Then</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: edōkan (V-AIA-3P) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">they cast</a> <a href="/greek/2819.htm" title="2819: klērous (N-AMP) -- (a) a lot, (b) a portion assigned; hence: a portion of the people of God assigned to one's care, a congregation. ">lots,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2819.htm" title="2819: klēros (N-NMS) -- (a) a lot, (b) a portion assigned; hence: a portion of the people of God assigned to one's care, a congregation. ">lot</a> <a href="/greek/4098.htm" title="4098: epesen (V-AIA-3S) -- A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall.">fell</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/3159.htm" title="3159: Maththian (N-AMS) -- Matthias. Apparently a shortened form of Mattathias; Matthias, an Israelite.">Matthias;</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">so</a> <a href="/greek/4785.htm" title="4785: synkatepsēphisthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To be voted or classed with. From sun and a compound of kata and psephizo; to count down in company with, i.e. Enroll among.">he was added</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1733.htm" title="1733: hendeka (Adj-GMP) -- Eleven. From heis and deka; one and ten, i.e. Eleven.">eleven</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolōn (N-GMP) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">apostles.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm">Proverbs 16:33</a> The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. <a href="/1_samuel/14-41.htm">1 Samuel 14:41-42</a> So 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. / Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was selected. <a href="/1_chronicles/24-5.htm">1 Chronicles 24:5</a> Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. <a href="/1_chronicles/25-8.htm">1 Chronicles 25:8</a> They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil. <a href="/1_chronicles/26-13.htm">1 Chronicles 26:13-14</a> They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. <a href="/jonah/1-7.htm">Jonah 1:7</a> “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. <a href="/numbers/26-55.htm">Numbers 26:55-56</a> Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. / Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.” <a href="/joshua/18-10.htm">Joshua 18:10</a> And 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. <a href="/leviticus/16-8.htm">Leviticus 16:8-10</a> After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, / he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. / But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as the scapegoat. <a href="/1_samuel/10-20.htm">1 Samuel 10:20-21</a> Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. / Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. <a href="/matthew/27-35.htm">Matthew 27:35</a> When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots. <a href="/john/13-18.htm">John 13:18</a> I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’ <a href="/john/15-16.htm">John 15:16</a> You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. <a href="/john/17-12.htm">John 17:12</a> While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled. <a href="/luke/6-13.htm">Luke 6:13</a> When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.they.<a href="/acts/13-19.htm">Acts 13:19</a> And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.<a href="/leviticus/16-8.htm">Leviticus 16:8</a> And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.<a href="/joshua/18-10.htm">Joshua 18:10</a> And 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.Matthias.<a href="/acts/1-23.htm">Acts 1:23</a> And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/11-11.htm">Added</a> <a href="/acts/1-2.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/john/21-7.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/john/7-1.htm">Chance</a> <a href="/john/8-16.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/john/21-11.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/luke/24-33.htm">Eleven</a> <a href="/luke/2-5.htm">Enrolled</a> <a href="/acts/1-25.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/john/21-22.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Lots</a> <a href="/acts/1-23.htm">Matthias</a> <a href="/acts/1-23.htm">Matthi'as</a> <a href="/acts/1-17.htm">Numbered</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/2-41.htm">Added</a> <a href="/acts/2-37.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/acts/7-19.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/acts/21-38.htm">Chance</a> <a href="/acts/11-29.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/acts/2-14.htm">Eleven</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-9.htm">Enrolled</a> <a href="/acts/5-5.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/acts/2-4.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-8.htm">Lots</a> <a href="/acts/1-23.htm">Matthias</a> <a href="/acts/1-23.htm">Matthi'as</a> <a href="/acts/19-7.htm">Numbered</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 1</div>1. <a href="/acts/1-1.htm">Christ, preparing his apostles to the beholding of his ascension, .</a> 4. <a href="/acts/1-4.htm">gathers them together unto the Mount of Olives, </a> 6. <a href="/acts/1-6.htm">commands them to expect in Jerusalem the sending down of the Holy Spirit, </a> 9. <a href="/acts/1-9.htm">and ascends into heaven in their sight</a> 10. <a href="/acts/1-10.htm">After his ascension they are warned by two angels to depart, and to set their minds upon his second coming.</a> 12. <a href="/acts/1-12.htm">They accordingly return, and, giving themselves to prayer, </a> 23. <a href="/acts/1-23.htm">choose Matthias apostle in the place of Judas.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then they cast lots Casting lots was a common practice in ancient times for making decisions, believed to reveal God's will. It is mentioned in the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/leviticus/16-8.htm">Leviticus 16:8</a> for selecting the scapegoat. The practice reflects a reliance on divine providence rather than human judgment. In this context, it underscores the apostles' desire to ensure that the choice of Judas's replacement was divinely guided.and the lot fell to Matthias. Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, fulfilling the need for twelve apostles, which symbolically represents the twelve tribes of Israel. This selection highlights the importance of maintaining the apostolic foundation for the early church. Matthias's selection is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, indicating that his role was primarily foundational rather than prominent in the narrative of Acts.So he was added to the eleven apostles. The restoration of the group to twelve apostles signifies completeness and continuity in the mission of the church. The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often associated with God's people. This addition ensured that the apostolic witness remained intact, preparing the group for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the subsequent spread of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/matthias.htm">Matthias</a> Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles. His selection signifies the restoration of the group to its full number, symbolizing completeness and readiness for the mission ahead. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_eleven_apostles.htm">The Eleven Apostles</a> The remaining apostles after Judas' betrayal and death. They are in a period of waiting and preparation for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. 3. <a href="/topical/c/casting_lots.htm">Casting Lots</a> An ancient practice used to discern God's will. In this context, it was a method to seek divine guidance in choosing the right person to join the apostles. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The location where the apostles and other followers of Jesus were gathered. It is significant as the starting point of the early church and the place where the Holy Spirit would soon descend. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judas_iscariot.htm">Judas Iscariot</a> The apostle who betrayed Jesus, leading to his crucifixion. His absence created the need for a replacement to maintain the symbolic number of twelve apostles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance_in_decision-making.htm">Divine Guidance in Decision-Making</a> The apostles sought God's will through prayer and casting lots, reminding us to seek divine guidance in our decisions. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_completeness.htm">Restoration and Completeness</a> The selection of Matthias restored the group of apostles to twelve, symbolizing readiness and completeness for the mission of spreading the Gospel. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_waiting.htm">Faithfulness in Waiting</a> The apostles' actions during this period of waiting for the Holy Spirit teach us the importance of preparation and faithfulness in times of anticipation. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_decision-making.htm">The Role of Community in Decision-Making</a> The decision to choose Matthias was made in the context of the gathered believers, highlighting the importance of community discernment.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 1</a> <a href="/q/who_succeeded_judas_as_apostle.htm">Who replaced Judas as the 12th apostle?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_matthias_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Matthias in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_sports_gambling.htm">What does the Bible say about sports gambling?</a> <a href="/q/is_gambling_considered_sinful.htm">Is gambling considered sinful?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) And they gave forth their lots.--As interpreted by the prayer of <a href="/acts/1-24.htm" title="And they prayed, and said, You, Lord, which know the hearts of all men, show whether of these two you have chosen,">Acts 1:24</a>, and by the word "fell" here, there can be no doubt that the passage speaks of "lots" and not "votes." The two men were chosen by the disciples as standing, as far as they could see, on the same level. It was left for the Searcher of hearts to show, by the exclusion of human will, which of the two He had chosen. The most usual way of casting lots in such cases was to write each name on a tablet, place them in an urn, and then shake the urn till one came out. A like custom prevailed among the Greeks, as in the well-known story of the stratagem of Cresphontes in the division of territory after the Doriar invasion (Sophocles, Aias. 1285; comp. <a href="/proverbs/16-33.htm" title="The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.">Proverbs 16:33</a>). The practice was recognised, it may be noted, in the Law (<a href="/leviticus/16-8.htm" title="And Aaron shall cast lots on the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.">Leviticus 16:8</a>).He was numbered with the eleven apostles.--The Greek word is not the same as in <a href="/acts/1-17.htm" title="For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.">Acts 1:17</a>, and implies that Matthias was "voted in," the suffrage of the Church unanimously confirming the indication of the divine will which had been given by the lot. It may be that the new Apostle took the place which Judas had left vacant, and was the last of the Twelve.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 26. - They gave lots for them for they gave forth their lots, A.V. and T.R. (αὐτοῖς for αὐτῶν); but the T.R. gives the easiest sense. The exact mode of taking the lot does not appear. Some think the name of each candidate was written on a tablet, and that the first name which fell out of the urn after it had been shaken was the one chosen. Some think the lot was taken by dice. But however the taking of the lot was managed, the effect was to leave the choice to God in answer to prayer. <a href="/commentaries/acts/1-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. they cast ἔδωκαν (edōkan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. lots, κλήρους (klērous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2819.htm">Strong's 2819: </a> (a) a lot, (b) a portion assigned; hence: a portion of the people of God assigned to one's care, a congregation. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. lot κλῆρος (klēros) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2819.htm">Strong's 2819: </a> (a) a lot, (b) a portion assigned; hence: a portion of the people of God assigned to one's care, a congregation. fell ἔπεσεν (epesen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4098.htm">Strong's 4098: </a> A reduplicated and contracted form of peto; probably akin to petomai through the idea of alighting; to fall. to ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. Matthias; Μαθθίαν (Maththian) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3159.htm">Strong's 3159: </a> Matthias. Apparently a shortened form of Mattathias; Matthias, an Israelite. [so] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. he was added συνκατεψηφίσθη (synkatepsēphisthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4785.htm">Strong's 4785: </a> To be voted or classed with. From sun and a compound of kata and psephizo; to count down in company with, i.e. Enroll among. to μετὰ (meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. eleven ἕνδεκα (hendeka) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1733.htm">Strong's 1733: </a> Eleven. From heis and deka; one and ten, i.e. Eleven. apostles. ἀποστόλων (apostolōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/1-26.htm">Acts 1:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/1-26.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 1:26 They drew lots for them and (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/1-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 1:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 1:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/2-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 2:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 2:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>