St. Matthias the Apostle – February 24
February 24 is traditionally observed as the feast day of Saint Matthias, the apostle chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot among the Twelve. Although his name appears only briefly in Scripture, his calling holds profound spiritual significance. Even with limited mention, his selection reveals God’s sovereign choice, the importance of faithfulness, and the central role of being a witness to Christ’s resurrection. His life reminds believers that one does not need many recorded words in the Bible to have a meaningful and God-appointed purpose.
The Background of His Calling
After Judas Iscariot’s betrayal and death, the number of the Twelve Apostles was incomplete. Before the Day of Pentecost, the disciples gathered together in unity and prayer.
Peter stood among the believers and spoke about the fulfillment of Scripture concerning Judas:
Acts 1:16
“Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas…”
He then declared:
Acts 1:20
“Let another take his office.”
The early Church understood that the apostolic ministry must continue according to God’s plan.
Qualifications for Apostleship
Peter laid down the qualifications for the one who would replace Judas:
Acts 1:21–22
“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
From this we understand that Matthias:
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Had followed Jesus from the time of John’s baptism
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Witnessed Christ’s earthly ministry
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Saw the risen Lord
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Was present at the ascension
He was already a devoted disciple before being publicly chosen.
Prayer and Divine Selection
Two men were presented: Joseph called Barsabas (Justus) and Matthias. The believers did not rely on human judgment alone. Instead, they prayed:
Acts 1:24–25
“You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen…”
Then,
Acts 1:26
“And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”
Matthias was officially counted among the Twelve Apostles, restoring the full number.
The Role of an Apostle
The central mission of the apostles was to be witnesses of Christ’s resurrection and to proclaim the Gospel.
Jesus had promised:
Acts 1:8
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…”
As one of the Twelve, Matthias shared in this apostolic commission and the mission of spreading the Good News.
Spiritual Lessons from St. Matthias
1. Faithfulness in Obscurity
Before being chosen as an Apostle, Matthias was not a prominent leader like Peter, nor did he feature in the narratives of the Gospels. Yet, he fulfilled the crucial criteria: he was with Jesus the entire time.
Faithfulness in obscurity means serving God diligently when nobody is watching, without seeking recognition or title. Matthias was content to be a follower in the background for three years, doing the hard work of discipleship without the spotlight. His life validates that God’s mission requires not just public leaders, but quiet, faithful servants who are prepared to step up when called.
As Apostle Paul later emphasized regarding this kind of service:
"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2, KJV)
Matthias was that faithful steward—loyal in the shadows, and ready for the light.
2. God Knows the Heart
When Peter and the others were looking for a replacement, they didn't look at outward appearances, charisma, or public speaking ability. They looked for consistency and faithfulness. However, they knew they could not see the true motivations of the candidates.
The turning point was their prayer: "Lord, you know everyone’s heart."
Human judgment is flawed: In 1 Samuel 16:7, God reminds Samuel that "the Lord looks at the heart," while humans look at the outward appearance.
Divine Selection: By casting lots, the disciples admitted that only God truly knows who is worthy of the calling. Matthias was chosen not because he was the most popular, but because God saw his heart was aligned with His purpose.
This teaches us that God values sincerity over showmanship.
3. God’s Plan Continues
The betrayal by Judas was a staggering blow to the early disciples. It could have caused them to lose hope or feel that the mission was ruined. Yet, the story of Matthias teaches us that no betrayal or human failure can stop the plan of God.
Restoration, not abandonment: God did not abandon the structure of the twelve; He restored it. The vacant seat was filled.
The Mission is Bigger than Any Individual: The apostolic mission depended on Jesus, not on the perfection of the men chosen to carry it out.
Hope for the Church: Even when leaders fail or leave, God raises up new servants to continue the work.
This is a reminder that the Church is founded on the immovable purpose of God, which overcomes all obstacles.
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The importance of prayer in decision-making
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The value of steadfast discipleship
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The centrality of the resurrection in Christian faith
As we remember him on February 24, may we also desire to be faithful witnesses of the risen Christ, ready whenever God calls.
God bless you all.
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