Easter Season · Seventh Sunday of Easter · Year B
Acts 1:15-17, 20a, 20c-26
Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
May 9, 2027

Overview & Insights
“And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias.” (Acts 1:26)
The period between the ascension and Pentecost was one of waiting, but not of inactivity. Chiefly, for the disciples, it was a time of prayer, but it also saw them finding a replacement for Judas. In this connection, we have the first speech in Acts. Like most of the speeches in this book, it is probably only a summary of what Peter said. Nevertheless, behind Luke’s report we can still catch the original tones of the apostle.
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Commentary
Acts 1 - The Choosing of Matthias Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse study includes Peter leading the community to replace Judas among the Twelve.
Acts 1:15 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on Peter's speech and the casting of lots to choose Matthias.
Acts 1 Commentary Precept Austin
In depth notes with Greek helps and preaching resources on the choosing of a twelfth apostle.
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on the community tending its own health by naming new leaders.
Commentary on Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Working Preacher
A scholarly exegesis of the Matthias story keyed to the Seventh Sunday of Easter.
Background & Word Study
Acts of the Apostles | Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Background on Luke's purpose and the structure of Acts as the story of the early church.
Book of Acts Overview: Acts 1-12 BibleProject
Animated overview of the first half of Acts, including the reconstitution of the Twelve.
Acts 1:15 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing and Strong's numbers for Peter's speech and the choice of Matthias.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why is Matthias chosen?
To restore the Twelve after Judas's fall, the believers put forward two who had followed Jesus from the beginning and, after prayer, cast lots; Matthias is numbered with the apostles as a witness to the resurrection.
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