After the Ascension of Jesus, the Apostles, together with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the other women, were gathered in the Upper Room on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, persevering in prayer with one mind and heart. It was during this time that St. Peter proposed that someone should be chosen to replace Judas, who had forfeited his apostolic ministry through unfaithfulness and suicide (Acts 1:15–21). Peter the Apostle laid down two principal conditions for becoming an Apostle:
1. The person must have accompanied Jesus throughout His public ministry, from the baptism preached by John until the Ascension.
2. He must be a witness to the Resurrection of Jesus.
Among them were two men who fulfilled these qualifications: Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas. However, the Apostles were unable to determine whom they should choose. Therefore, after praying, they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias. From that moment, he was counted among the Twelve Apostles (Acts 1:26).
Certain questions naturally arise in many minds: Is the casting of lots truly a legitimate means of discerning the will of God? Why does the Church not follow such practices today? Was the selection of Matthias truly according to the will of God? The following answers emerge from biblical understanding.
Jesus had given a promise to His disciples: “You shall eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Lk 22:30). The number twelve symbolized the fullness of the tribes of Israel. Before the official missionary activity of the Church could begin with the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, it was necessary for the structure of the Church that this number be restored once again to twelve.
Why Was a Replacement Chosen Only for Judas?
A question may arise here: when James, the son of Zebedee, was later martyred (Acts 12:2), why was no replacement chosen for him? The reason is that James remained faithful to Christ until death. Since the Apostles believed in the resurrection of the dead, they knew that James’ place in the heavenly kingdom remained secure. Judas, however, betrayed the Master and, through suicide, lost his apostolic office and communion. Therefore, a replacement for Judas’ throne became necessary.
The Old Testament Tradition of Casting Lots
In biblical history, the casting of lots was not considered a mere game of chance, but rather a sacred means of discerning the will of God. Especially during periods when there were no prophets among the people, the Israelites resorted to this practice.
Sin Offering: The goats designated for sacrifice were chosen by casting lots (Lev 16:8).
Division of the Land: Joshua distributed the land among the tribes of Israel by casting lots before the Lord (Josh 18:10).
Post-Exilic Period: After returning from the Babylonian exile, the people once again cast lots in seeking the will of God (Neh 10:34).
The spiritual significance behind this practice is explained in the Book of Proverbs:
“Casting lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders” (Prov 18:18).
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov 16:33).
Because the Apostles deeply believed in the laws and traditions of the Old Testament, they prayerfully cast lots in order to discern the mind of God beyond mere human reasoning. Therefore, their action was entirely lawful and proper within that context.
Why Does the Church No Longer Cast Lots Today?
This is the final instance recorded in the Acts of the Apostles where a decision is made through the casting of lots. At the end of the first chapter, this election takes place; immediately at the beginning of the second chapter, the Holy Spirit descends upon the Church in the form of tongues of fire.
In the Old Testament period, lots were cast to seek the will of God when prophets were absent. But in the New Testament Church, the Lord Himself gave the Church the Holy Spirit as her guide and helper. From Pentecost onward, it is the Holy Spirit who guides the Church and reveals decisions. Therefore, later ecclesial decisions are seen emerging through the revelations and promptings of the Spirit:
“The Spirit told me…” (Acts 11:12)
“The Holy Spirit said: ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…’” (Acts 13:2)
“It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” (Acts 15:28)
It was because the official coming of the Holy Spirit had not yet taken place during those ten days between the Ascension and Pentecost that the Apostles adopted the Old Testament method of casting lots. Today, since the living presence of the Holy Spirit abides within the Church, we no longer require such external means to discern the will of God.
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit continually helps us to enter into direct communion with God and to discern His holy will. Today, God guides the decisions of the Church through the prayer and spiritual discernment of ecclesiastical authorities. Therefore, we are called to remain grateful to the Holy Spirit who leads us and to live attentively, listening to the invisible interior voice of the Spirit.
Rev. Dr. Tom Olikkarott
