Bible Strands
Acts 1:26
Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrative records the remaining disciples casting lots to select a replacement for Judas, resulting in Matthias being added to the eleven apostles. This action follows the group's resolution to restore the apostolic ministry that Judas abandoned.
The words — The Greek κλῆρος (klēros) means "lot" drawn by casting, and ἔπεσεν (epesen) literally means "fell." These terms document the physical mechanism used to identify the chosen successor.
The thread — Casting lots functions as a discernment method in Leviticus 16:8 for dividing sacrificial goats, Joshua 18:10 for apportioning land, and 1 Samuel 14:41 for seeking divine direction. These passages show the practice was an established means of identifying outcomes attributed to God.
Why it lands — The text states a procedural outcome without commentary on divine endorsement or spiritual symbolism. It asks the reader to observe how the early community addressed a structural vacancy using a recognized discernment practice.
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 gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Cross-references
- Leviticus 16:8 After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat,
- Joshua 18:10 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.
- 1 Samuel 14:41 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.
- Jonah 1:7 “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.
- 1 Chronicles 24:5 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.
- Acts 2:14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed the crowd: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words.
- Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly.
- Acts 13:19 And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.