Devine Scripture

Acts 1:26

What does Acts 1:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 1:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 1:26 means

After their prayer for divine guidance, the community proceeded to cast lots to determine God's choice between Joseph and Matthias. The lot fell upon Matthias, signifying to them that he was the Lord's chosen one. Consequently, Matthias was formally added to the existing eleven apostles, restoring the number of the apostolic group to its original twelve, fulfilling the scriptural imperative Peter had presented.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they gave lots for them; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they gave lots for them; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they put it to the decision of chance, and the decision was given for Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they gave their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And they gave them lot, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they gave lots on them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Context

This verse describes the final step in the selection process, following the prayer for divine guidance in verses 24 and 25. The casting of lots was a common method in ancient Israel for discerning God's will in important matters. The outcome, with Matthias being selected, concludes the process of filling the apostolic vacancy, setting the stage for the united and complete group of twelve apostles as the narrative moves forward.

v.25to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.

v.26This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jonah 1:7

    And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

  • Joshua 18:10

    And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before Jehovah: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:5

    Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for there were princes of the sanctuary, and princes of God, both of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

  • 1 Samuel 14:41

    Therefore Saul said unto Jehovah, the God of Israel, Show the right. And Jonathan and Saul were taken by lot; but the people escaped.

  • Leviticus 16:8

    And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for Jehovah, and the other lot for Azazel.

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