That None Should Perish

June 6, 2026

Just imagine following Jesus from the very beginning of His ministry, very faithful but not noticed until after the death of Judas Iscariot. Here is his story.

In the Bible, Matthias is the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot following Judas’s betrayal of Jesus. His selection is famously detailed in the book of Acts. [1, 2]

Key Biblical Account

• The Qualification: Peter stated that the replacement must be someone who had been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry (from John’s baptism) all the way through the Ascension. [1, 2]
• The Selection: Two men met these requirements: Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas. After prayer, the disciples cast lots to discern God’s will, and the lot fell to Matthias. [1, 2, 3]
• Biblical Mentions: Matthias is only mentioned by name in the New Testament in Acts 1:21-26. [1]

Additional Background & Traditions

• Earlier Ministry: Though his name doesn’t appear in the Gospels, church tradition (such as that recorded by the historian Eusebius) suggests he was one of the seventy-two disciples commissioned by Jesus in Luke 10:1. [1, 2]
• Missionary Work: Historical traditions vary regarding his later life, with accounts suggesting he preached the Gospel in Judea, Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), and Ethiopia. [1, 2, 3]
• Martyrdom: Many church traditions hold that he was ultimately martyred for his faith, often believed to have been stoned and then beheaded.