Birth: 1st Century
Home Calling :-
Homeland : Judea
Place of Vision: Ethiopia
Matthias (meaning, ‘gift of God’) was the chosen one to replace Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ. After the ascension of Jesus Christ, all his disciples gathered in Jerusalem for fellowship and prayer, awaiting the fulfillment of the promise of the Holy Spirit. There, Peter, knowing the Scriptures (Psalm 109:8, Psalm 69:25) were to be fulfilled, proposed that another person should take Judas Iscariot’s place among the Apostles to continue the ministry. After praying together, the Apostles chose Matthias and numbered him with the eleven.
Though Matthias’s name is mentioned only twice in the Bible (Acts 1:23 and Acts 1:26), he accompanied Jesus and his disciples all the time. He witnessed the baptism of Jesus Christ, His miracles, His resurrection, and His ascension. This shows his constant devotion towards the Lord and his longing to hear the words of life. Ever since Matthias was appointed as one of the Twelve, he took on a more important role in the early church after having received the Holy Spirit.
It is said that Matthias was also one among the 70 disciples appointed and sent by the Lord, ahead of Him, to spread the Gospel in every town. After the ascension of Jesus, Matthias being an apostle, carried the Gospel to some of the unreached parts of the world. He preached in Cappadocia, Jerusalem, the shores of the Caspian Sea (in modern-day Georgia), and Ethiopia. Despite the imprisonments and constant persecution by the people, he continued to preach the Gospel. He performed many miracles in the name of Jesus and healed the sick.
Though Jesus did not personally appoint Matthias, his close walk with the Lord teaches us two valuable lessons. First, portfolios and positions are not obligatory to serve God, and second, God exalts those who are faithful and consistent in their devotion. Matthias is said to be stoned to death by the cannibals.
