How Many Times Is Matthias Mentioned in the Bible? (Who Was Matthias in the Bible?)

The life of our Lord Jesus Christ is one that I would like to emulate as a Christian believer. I have always been fascinated by his ministry here on earth. In particular, his disciples’ zeal and resolve to follow him no matter what happened is very captivating. Among the major events that happened in Jesus’ ministry was his betrayal by Judas Iscariot, who was later replaced by Matthias. But who was Matthias? And how many times is Matthias mentioned in the Bible?

In this article, I will explain who Matthias is in the Bible, what his name means biblically, how he became an apostle, and what finally happened to him. Also, I will look into some important and interesting facts about Saint Matthias. Join me on an exciting journey through the life of Saint Matthias, one of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who Was Matthias in the Bible?

Matthias was a little-known figure in the Bible, and he was the only apostle or disciple among the twelve who was not chosen by Jesus Christ. By the time of his selection, Jesus had died, been resurrected, and ascended to heaven. However, his selection as an apostle had significant implications for the early Christian church. I have come to appreciate the importance of Matthias and the role he played in the early church.

As mentioned before, not much is known about Matthias’s background. It is not recorded whether he was married or not. His occupation or body stature are not known either. Nonetheless, he becoming an apostle ensured that there were still twelve apostles, a number that was significant in Jewish culture. Therefore, the group had to be complete. Matthias, along with the other apostles, helped spread the message of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Although Matthias is not mentioned by name elsewhere in the Bible, he is included in some lists of the apostles in other early Christian writings. Matthias’s selection as an apostle reminds us of the importance of faith and the power of God’s sovereign will. We may not know much about Matthias, but his faithfulness and dedication to Christ have left a lasting impact on the church.

What Does the Name Matthias Mean Biblically?

The name Matthias means “gift of God” or “given by God” in Hebrew, which is fitting given the role he was chosen to fill.

The name reflects the belief that all good things come from God and that He is the giver of all gifts. As Christians, we believe that we are all given gifts by God to use for His glory and to serve others. Matthias’ story is a reminder that God can use anyone, even those who may not have been originally chosen or expected, for His purposes.

How Did Matthias Become an Apostle?

Matthias became an apostle after he was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. Judas had betrayed Jesus and then hanged himself, leaving a vacancy among the Twelve Apostles. How did the remaining eleven apostles choose a replacement? They prayed to God for guidance. Then they cast lots, and Matthias was chosen.

It is important to note that, even though little is known about Matthias, he was with the disciples even when Jesus Christ was alive. Acts 1:20–22 records that Matthias was with them since John’s baptism until the very end when Christ ascended to heaven. It was important for the one being chosen to be a witness of Christ’s resurrection.

After Matthias was selected, he was then “numbered with the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:26). Although he is not mentioned multiple times in the Bible, he is included in lists of the apostles in some other early Christian writings.

What Happened to Matthias the Apostle?

It is believed that Matthias preached the gospel in Judea during his first year of ministry, where he preached the gospel and brought many to Christ. Later on, he traveled to other countries and eventually to Ethiopia, where he is thought to have died. Given that many of the inhabitants of the countries where the disciples went to preach were hostile and fierce, it is probable that Matthias was eventually martyred. His death could have been by crucifixion, stoning, or beheading since there is an agreement that John is the only apostle who died of old age. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this account.

What Are Some Facts About Saint Matthias?

While Saint Matthias may not be as well-known as other apostles, such as Peter or Paul, his contribution to the early church was nonetheless significant. Here is a summary of some of the fascinating facts about this lesser-known but important figure:

• He was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles after Judas’ betrayal and death (Acts 1:1–26).
• The name “Matthias” means “gift of God” or “gift of Yahweh.”
• Matthias is believed to have preached in Judea and then traveled to Ethiopia to spread the gospel. Some accounts suggest that he was martyred there.
• Saint Matthias is considered the patron saint of tailors, carpenters, and alcoholics.
• His feast day is celebrated on May 14th in the Western Church and August 9th in the Eastern Church.