Matthias the Apostle

Lore & Background

There is no mention of Matthias among the lists of disciples in the synoptic gospels or the Gospel of John, but according to Acts, he had been with Jesus from his baptism by John until the Ascension. After Jesus's ascension, Peter proposed that the assembled disciples, numbering about 120, nominate two men to replace Judas. They chose Joseph called Barsabbas (whose surname was Justus) and Matthias. After praying, they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, so he was numbered with the eleven apostles. No further information about Matthias is found in the canonical New Testament, and his name is variable: the Syriac version of Eusebius calls him 'Tolmai'; Clement of Alexandria refers to Zacchaeus in a way that could suggest some identified him with Matthias; the Clementine Recognitions identify him with Barnabas; and Adolf Bernhard Christoph Hilgenfeld thinks he is the same as Nathanael in the Gospel of John.

Reader's Guide

Matthias's significance lies in his unique selection as an apostle by lot, emphasizing divine choice in the early Christian community. All information concerning his ministry and death is vague and contradictory. Greek tradition says he spread Christianity around Cappadocia and on the coasts of the Caspian Sea, residing chiefly near the port Hyssus. According to Nicephorus, he first preached in Judaea, then in Aethiopia (by Colchis, now in modern-day Georgia) and was crucified. An extant Coptic Acts of Andrew and Matthias places his activity in 'the city of the cannibals' in Aethiopia. Another tradition maintains he was stoned at Jerusalem by the local populace and then beheaded. Hippolytus of Rome says he died of old age in Jerusalem. Surviving fragments of the lost Gospel of Matthias attribute it to him, but Early Church Fathers considered it heretical. The Church of England's Book of Common Prayer celebrates him on 24 February, while newer liturgies allow 14 May. His relics are claimed to be in Italy, Germany, or Georgia.

Did You Know?

• Matthias was chosen by lot, a unique method among the apostles.
• No further information about Matthias appears in the canonical New Testament after his selection.
• His name is variable: the Syriac version of Eusebius calls him 'Tolmai'.
• Tradition maintains he was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded, though Hippolytus of Rome says he died of old age.