Bible Strands
Acts 1:23
So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The assembled believers gather after Jesus’ ascension to identify candidates who meet the criteria of witnessing Jesus’ ministry from John’s baptism through the resurrection. They stand at the threshold of choosing a replacement for Judas before casting lots.
The words — The Greek verb ἔστησαν (estēsan) literally means “they put forward,” indicating the group’s formal proposal of candidates. The participle καλούμενον (kaloumenon) translates to “is being called,” noting Joseph’s alternative name, Barsabbas.
The thread — The pattern of communal discernment followed by divine selection reappears in Acts 15:22, where the church chooses men to send to Antioch. The immediate resolution occurs in Acts 1:26, where casting lots determines that Matthias joins the eleven apostles.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that leadership transitions in the early church required both verified witness and prayerful reliance on God’s choice. Readers must acknowledge that human nomination precedes divine confirmation in the establishment of apostolic authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
Cross-references
- Acts 15:22 Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers,
- Acts 1:26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.