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Easter · Seventh Sunday of Easter · Year A

Acts 1:12-26

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

May 17, 2026

Triumphant Christ, Melozzo da Forli
Triumphant Christ, Melozzo da Forli, 1483Wikimedia Commons
A fragment of a destroyed apse fresco from Rome, salvaged and now scattered. Christ is seen steeply from below, rising, with angels in pieces around him.This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go.Melozzo da ForliAn Italian painter who mastered extreme foreshortening from below and worked for popes before his frescoes were largely destroyed.Wikimedia CommonsNo holding institution is recorded with the image; it is known from the public domain reproduction.Wikimedia Commons
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelJohn 17:1-11Jn 17:1-11
Epistle1 Pet. 4:12-19; 5:6-111 Pt 4:12-19; 5:6-11
Old TestamentActs 1:12-26
PsalterPs. 68:1-10Ps 68:1-10

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

Commentary on Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Working Preacher

Luther Seminary reading of the church in transition choosing a twelfth witness to the resurrection.

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching

Reformed preaching commentary on the apostles returning to the upper room and completing the Twelve.

Acts 1 - David Guzik Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik

Evangelical verse by verse study of the days of prayer and the choice of Matthias.

Acts 1 Commentary Precept Austin

Deep inductive digest on the community at prayer and the casting of lots for Judas' place.

Acts 1:12 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentators gathered on the return from Olivet, the upper room, and the replacement of Judas.

Background & Word Study

Acts 1:12 Interlinear BibleHub

Greek text with parsing for the sabbath day's journey, the gathering in prayer, and the lot.

Book of Acts Overview BibleProject

Animated overview of Acts framing the restoration of the Twelve before Pentecost.

Acts - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible

Luther Seminary background on the authorship, purpose, and structure of Acts (background only).

The Church Fathers

Catena on Acts 1 Catena

Patristic comment chained verse by verse on the upper room prayer and the choosing of Matthias.

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