Saint Matthias

Saint Matthias is recognized within Christian tradition as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. According to the Acts of the Apostles, he was divinely chosen through the remaining apostles to succeed Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and subsequently died. Matthias's selection is notable as it occurred after Jesus's ascension and involved the casting of lots, a method distinct from the direct calling of the original twelve disciples.

Life and Ministry

While the synoptic gospels do not mention Matthias among Jesus's disciples, the Acts of the Apostles states he accompanied Jesus from His baptism by John the Baptist until His Ascension. Following Judas's defection, Peter proposed that the assembled disciples, numbering around 120, nominate two candidates to replace him: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. After prayer, lots were cast, and Matthias was chosen, thus becoming numbered with the eleven apostles.

No further information about Matthias's life or ministry is present in the canonical New Testament. However, various traditions offer differing accounts of his activities and death. Some traditions state that Matthias spread Christianity in regions such as Cappadocia and along the Caspian Sea, residing near the port of Hyssus. Other accounts suggest he preached the Gospel in Judea, then in Ethiopia (including Colchis), and was eventually crucified. Another tradition places his burial site at the Roman fortress ruins at Gonio in modern-day Georgia.

Martyrdom and Legacy

Traditions surrounding Matthias's martyrdom are varied. One account describes him being brought before high elders as a "seducer" for preaching Christ as the Son of God. He reportedly demonstrated the truth of his message, enraging the elders who sentenced him to be stoned alive. After being cast out of the city and stoned, he was beheaded by a Roman soldier while still alive. Another tradition maintains he was stoned at Jerusalem by the local populace and then beheaded. Conversely, Hippolytus of Rome suggests Matthias died of old age in Jerusalem.

The feast of Saint Matthias was incorporated into the Roman Calendar in the 11th century, traditionally celebrated on February 24th. In 1969, this date was revised to May 14th to align more closely with the Solemnity of the Ascension. Claims also exist that the relics of Saint Matthias were brought to Italy by Empress Helena, with portions interred in Padua and Trier, Germany, though Greek sources locate his remains at Gonio-Apsaros, Georgia.

FAQ

• How was Matthias chosen to be an apostle? Matthias was chosen by God through the remaining apostles to replace Judas Iscariot. His selection involved the casting of lots among the assembled disciples after Jesus's ascension, a unique method for an apostle's calling.

• Is Matthias mentioned in the Gospels? No, Matthias is not mentioned by name in any of the four canonical Gospels. His inclusion as an apostle is detailed in the Book of Acts.

• What was Matthias's ministry like? The canonical New Testament provides no details about Matthias's ministry. However, later traditions suggest he preached in various regions, including Cappadocia, along the Caspian Sea, and in Ethiopia.

• How did Matthias die? Traditions regarding Matthias's death vary. Some accounts describe him as a martyr who was stoned and then beheaded, while others suggest he died of old age in Jerusalem.

• Where are Saint Matthias's relics said to be? Tradition states that Saint Matthias's relics were brought to Italy and are interred in Padua and Trier, Germany. However, Greek sources claim his remains are buried at the castle of Gonio-Apsaros in Georgia.