Acts 1:23 - They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.
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What does "Acts 1:23" mean?
This verse, Acts 1:23, describes the process the remaining eleven apostles took to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and died.
Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"They put forward two...": After Judas's death, the remaining eleven apostles realized they needed to replace him to restore the original number of twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. They understood this to be in accordance with scripture (as mentioned in verses 20-22). They then nominated, or presented, two candidates.
"Joseph called Barsabbas...": One of the candidates was a man named Joseph, also known as Barsabbas. "Barsabbas" was likely a surname or nickname meaning "son of Sabas" or "son of oath".
"...who was also called Justus...": Joseph Barsabbas had another name, Justus. "Justus" means "righteous" or "just" in Latin. It was a common name at the time.
"...and Matthias.": The second candidate was a man named Matthias. We don't know much else about Matthias from the Bible beyond this passage.
In essence, the verse tells us that the apostles narrowed down the candidates to replace Judas to two men: Joseph Barsabbas/Justus and Matthias. The next step, described in the following verses, was to pray and cast lots to determine which of the two God had chosen. This process of elimination of choice for only two men suggests that these were probably the two most senior and devout disciples, which the apostles felt best exemplified the teachings of Jesus and could replace Judas as an apostle.
Acts 1:23 - They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.
What does "Acts 1:23" mean?
This verse, Acts 1:23, describes the process the remaining eleven apostles took to choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and died.
Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"They put forward two...": After Judas's death, the remaining eleven apostles realized they needed to replace him to restore the original number of twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. They understood this to be in accordance with scripture (as mentioned in verses 20-22). They then nominated, or presented, two candidates.
"Joseph called Barsabbas...": One of the candidates was a man named Joseph, also known as Barsabbas. "Barsabbas" was likely a surname or nickname meaning "son of Sabas" or "son of oath".
"...who was also called Justus...": Joseph Barsabbas had another name, Justus. "Justus" means "righteous" or "just" in Latin. It was a common name at the time.
"...and Matthias.": The second candidate was a man named Matthias. We don't know much else about Matthias from the Bible beyond this passage.
In essence, the verse tells us that the apostles narrowed down the candidates to replace Judas to two men: Joseph Barsabbas/Justus and Matthias. The next step, described in the following verses, was to pray and cast lots to determine which of the two God had chosen. This process of elimination of choice for only two men suggests that these were probably the two most senior and devout disciples, which the apostles felt best exemplified the teachings of Jesus and could replace Judas as an apostle.