Lesser Known Disciples
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Acts 1:21-22, 26 (ESV)
We are generally familiar with Jesus’ disciples . . . at least some of them. A half a dozen quickly come to mind: Peter and Andrew, James and John, Thomas and Matthew . . . and then there is Judas Iscariot. We probably have to think a little harder to come up with the other five.
There was a still larger group of disciples who sometimes traveled with Jesus (Acts 1:15). We are much less familiar with these men, in part because they are rarely mentioned or singled out. In the Acts of the Apostles, we hear about some of these lesser-known students of Jesus.
We begin with Judas’ replacement, Matthias.
Matthias wasn’t a ‘Johnny-come-lately.’ In fact, he was one of the men who accompanied Jesus from the baptism of John until Jesus’ ascension. No doubt they stood among the crowds as Jesus healed the sick and cast out demons. They witnessed Jesus’ miracles and listened to His Word. When it came time to replace Judas Iscariot, the Spirit of God chose Matthias.
We know very little about Matthias, little more than his name. What can we say about him? He was chosen by God to be a witness, to proclaim the Good News of what Jesus had accomplished for humankind through His life, death, and glorious resurrection. In many ways we are like Matthias . . . unknown by men but chosen by God to speak.
Almighty God, who into the place of the traitor Judas did choose Your faithful servant Matthias, grant that Your Church, being preserved from false apostles, may continually abide in the teaching of Your true Apostles; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
The Prayer for Saint Matthias The Apostle’s Day, The Lutheran Hymnal