Why did Peter and the other apostles choose a replacement for Judas Iscariot?

[LivingWordUnity]

In the first chapter of the book of Acts, this was the very first thing that Peter and the other apostles did.

Acts, Chapter 1
15 During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said,

16 "My brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled which the holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus.

17 He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry.

18 He bought a parcel of land with the wages of his iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out.

19 This became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem, so that the parcel of land was called in their language 'Akeldama,' that is, Field of Blood.

20 For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it.' And: 'May another take his office.'

21 Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us,

22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection."

23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.

24 Then they prayed, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen

25 to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place."

26 Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.

"...the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands..." - Acts 8:18

[Cyprian31]

Just a guess, and keep in mind that this is not the official teaching of the Church, I can come up with a couple of pretty good ideas.

1.) Exactly what it said. Judas had an allottment, when he died, a spot opened. Nuff said.

2.) A little deeper. If you look at Scripture as a whole, you will find that virtually everything in the NT is foreshadowed in the OT. Just as physical Israel was founded by twelve tribes, so too is the new, authentic Israel, God's Holy Church, founded by twelve men. Yet one was unworthy and needed to be replaced. Remember, St. John saw a vision of 24 casting their crowns, not 23.

Hope this helps. Forgive me.

[Spiritofprophecy]

Greetings in the name of Jesus. :hug:

It is an Interesting thread::thumbsup:

I would like to add, that I believe that the Apostles are all chosen by Jesus. And having Only eleven, Jesus chose another, which was Saul of tarsus.

Saul of tarsus, became the beloved disciple Paul.

In my opinion.

I pray my words do not offend, God bless Christians in forum and all who us it. :wave:
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[PreachersWife2004]

Matthias was chosen to replace Judas, not Paul.

[Col]

...because they were one man short :)

[New_Wineskin]

In the first chapter of the book of Acts, this was the very first thing that Peter and the other apostles did.

Acts, Chapter 1

"...the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands..." - Acts 8:18

Looking at the chapter , Peter simply wanted to bring back the number to 12 and found a couple of obscure sentences to look as if it was to be done . There was no mention of the leading of the Spirit throughout the process .