The election of Matthias

THE ELECTION OF MATTHIAS

After the ascension of Jesus on Mount Olivet, the disciples returned to Jerusalem, about a day’s journey. They were about one hundred and twenty in number at the time. They had gathered in the upper room of a house.

Peter appeared to have become the leader of the group at this stage. Then he said to the gathering that it was important for Judas Iscariot to be replaced in order to fulfill the scriptures where David said: “Let his habitation be desolate and his office let another take.”

Peter told the gathering how Judas purchased a plot of land with the profit he made from betraying Jesus. How Judas had fallen head-long on the land and burst open his belly, spilling his intestines. How the place he died was called Akeldama, meaning field of blood.

According to Peter the person to be elected to replace Judas must have been with the group from the time of the baptism of Jesus, throughout his ministry to his resurrection.

Two people were nominated; Joseph also called Barsabbas and Matthias. The disciples prayed to God so that his choice may be made from among the two candidates.

They cast lots and Matthias was chosen to add to the eleven disciples that were left. The main duties of Matthias was to preach the resurrected Christ and take care of the needs of the people.

MORAL LESSONS OF THE ACCOUNT

1. We need to be humble and honest in our daily lives.

2. We must ensure that God’s work continues without abating.

3. We need to rely on God to supply all our needs.

4. For one to be given higher responsibilities in the house of God, one must be faithful.

5. Availability is a key qualification for receiving responsibility in the church.

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM THIS INCIDENT

1. The prayers that were offered, the votes that were cast and the election of Matthias indicate that God was behind the election.

2. God can always raise workers to do his work.

3. It pays to be around for a long time, not deserting the assembly of the brethren.

4. While we pray to God to help us, we must do the needful as humans.

GUIDELINES THAT MUST BE BORNE IN MIND WHEN CONDUCTING ELECTIONS IN CHURCHES.

1. Seek God’s guidance in the choice of leaders.

2. Consider the character and qualities of the people to be elected into any position of authority.

3. Those to be elected to positions of authority must have the needed experience and be faithful.

4. Elections must be free and fair.

5. The results of elections should be taken in good faith.

HOW CAN FREE AND FAIR ELECTION BE ENSURED IN YOUR COUNTRY?

1. The existence of an independent electoral commission

2. The existence of an Impartial and independent Judiciary.

3. Application of the principle of universal adult suffrage.

4. A free and independent media.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. a. Give an account of the election of Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot.

    b. What moral lessons can be learned from the story?

 2. a. Describe the election of a successor to Judas Iscariot.

     b. What two lessons can be learned from this incident?

3. a. What led to the selection Matthias as one of the Apostles?

    b. How was the selection conducted?

4. a. Trace the events that led to the election of Matthias as one of the twelve.

    b. Highlight three guidelines that must be borne in mind when conducting elections.

5. a. Narrate the story of the election of Matthias as a replacement for Judas Iscariot.

    b. In which three ways can free and fair election be ensured in your country?

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