| Matthias Fausset's Bible Dictionary
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| 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" (Act_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 Lev_16:8; Pro_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. | |
| Taken from: Fausset's Bible Dictionary by Andrew Robert Fausset (1821-1910) |
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