And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. Acts 1:15-18

As we know originally there were 12 Apostles, the number 12 is very symbolic in the Bible meaning completion or authority, so it’s no surprise there were 12 tribes of Israel as well as the 12 Apostles. We know from the gospels that Judas Iscarriot, one of the original 12 Apostles , betrayed Jesus and gave him over to the religious leaders to be killed.

But we also know that God takes the evil of men and uses it for his purpose and glory (Romans 8:28) We see this throughout the Bible, and God did the same with Judas. Even though Satan filled the heart of Judas and used him to murder Jesus, God used this evil to fulfill the scriptures, that the Messiah must die in the hands of sinners to be the atonement for our sins.

Peter explains how David prophesied about this in the Old Testament (Psalm 69:25) and also David prophesied that another Apostle would take his place (Psalm 109:8) therefor it was time the Apostles picked a replaced for the Son of Perdition Judas

And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. Acts 1:19-22

The accuracy of the Old Testament scriptures are amazing, here Peter shows how the Old Testament predicted all the events of Judas, including the field of blood and this moment of picking a replacement. Secondly we see another mention of the ascension of Christ, which is a central doctrine of Christianity that often gets overlooked. Notice the Apostles were eyewitnesses of all the events, the death, resurrection , and ascension of Christ

And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Acts 1:23-26

Notice the process the Apostles used to pick Judas replacement, they asked God for divine direction. They didn’t pick the Apostle based on his resume or his how many degrees he had, they allowed God to guide them to choose the right person

Some like to debate whether the selection of Matthias was chosen by God or by man, I think its another unnecessary argument to be divisive with, its clear the Apostles prayed for Gods guidance and the lot was chosen for Matthias

Imagine if the Church today or even ourselves used this process in every decision we made in life. Pray to God for his will to be done Amen!