The Election of St Matthias (Acts 1:15-26)

The Book of Acts says that after Christ’s Ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem and gathered in an upper room for prayer. Shortly after, St. Peter addressed the group, emphasising the need to appoint a new apostle to replace Judas Iscariot.

Pope Francis reflected on this passage, explaining: “The Evangelist Luke shows us that, faced with the desertion of one of the Twelve—inflicting a wound upon the body of the community—it became imperative to pass on his responsibility. But who could assume this role? Peter outlined the necessary qualification: the new apostle had to be a disciple of Jesus from the beginning, from His baptism in the Jordan to His Ascension into Heaven (cf. Acts 1:21-22). The restoration of the Twelve was essential. At this point, the practice of community discernment begins, seeing reality through God’s eyes, with a focus on unity and communion.”

The pope went on: “Two candidates emerged—Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. The community prayed: ‘Lord, you know the hearts of all; show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned aside’ (Acts 1:24-25). By casting lots, the Lord indicated Matthias, who joined the Eleven. Thus, the Twelve were restored, a symbol of communion that triumphs over division.”

From the Book of Acts, we learn three key things about St. Matthias.

First, he was a faithful disciple. St Matthias had followed Jesus from the time of his baptism to His ascension (Acts 1:21). He witnessed Christ’s teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. This proven, firsthand experience made him well-suited to join the apostolic circle.

Second, St. Peter quoted a line from the Book of Psalms to explain the replacement of Judas by St Matthias: “Let another take his place of leadership” (Acts 1:20; Psalm 109:8). This connection suggests that, in a subtle way, St Matthias’s role was foretold in the Old Testament.

Third, St Matthias was a committed herald of the gospel. Alongside the other apostles, he endured persecution, imprisonment, and flogging, yet remained steadfast in preaching the gospel and testifying to Christ’s resurrection (Acts 4:33; 5:17-42). He also took part in the great Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-29).

St. Paul once described the apostles as “like men condemned to die” (1 Corinthians 4:9). In keeping with this, tradition has it that St. Matthias was ultimately put to death for his faith. His symbol in Christian art is the halberd —a spiked battleaxe— which is believed to be the instrument of his execution by beheading.

The window shows St Matthias holding his customary halberd. Located in St Catherine’s, West Drayton, it dates to 1891 and is by Lavers & Westlake. It’s one of a series of twelve windows flanking the nave that feature all of the apostles individually. The words of the Apostles’ Creed in Latin are on a banner that weaves its way across the whole set. As the last-called apostle, his is the twelfth and final window, picturing the closing line of the creed.

See the full image:

Where to find this work of art
St Catherine’s, West Drayton

Read the relevant passage
Acts 1:15-26

On a similar theme

• From the Old Testament: St Peter linked the selection of St Matthias with a text from The Psalms (Psalm 109:8)
• From the New Testament: St Matthias was appointed as one of The Twelve Apostles originally chosen by Christ.