Matthias

Matthias (meaning gift of God, same root as Mattathias) was the apostle elected to replace Judas Iscariot following his betrayal and death. The account in Acts 1:15–26 describes the process: Peter, citing Psalms 69 and 109, proposed that the vacancy be filled by one who had accompanied the disciples throughout Jesus's ministry and who had witnessed the resurrection. Two men qualified — Joseph called Barsabas (Justus) and Matthias — and the apostles cast lots, with the lot falling to Matthias (Acts 1:23–26). This is the only biblical account of the use of the lot to determine divine choice within the apostolic community, and no further mention of Matthias appears in the New Testament after his election.