Matthias the Apostle

Matthias the Apostle (Saint Matthias in Catholic and Orthodox traditions) was the Apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot.

After the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, the disciples and the family of Judas went up to Jerusalem where they prepared to pick a new disciple to take the place once held by Judas. Matthias was not an original Apostle, but had been with Jesus from his baptism by John the Baptist to his ascension and one of the seventy disciples who had been sent out during Jesus' ministry. Matthias and Barsabas (St. Joseph of Barsabas) were both worthy of the honor as men who had been with Jesus from the start. Through praying together to God and asking Him to guide the process, the Disciples cast lots and the lot fell to Matthias to become the 12th Apostle. (Acts 1:21-26)

Matthias is not mentioned again in the New Testament. One tradition has him preaching in Ethiopia and being martyred there.

Feastday: February 25, May 14.

## Prayer[edit]

Saint Matthias, pray that we may become worthy witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus in the way we live the eternal life we have right now.

## See also[edit]

* The Twelve Apostles

## External links[edit]

* Saint Matthias Apostle Catholic Online.
* MATTHIAS the Apostle