Who replaced Judas Iscariot as an apostle, and what criterion was used?

• A. Joseph called Barsabbas; chosen by lot
• B. Matthias; chosen because he was from the tribe of Levi
• C. Paul; chosen because of his missionary zeal
• D. Matthias; he met the criteria of having been with Jesus from baptism to ascension and a witness of the resurrection.

Answer: (D)

Replacing Judas required an apostle who could faithfully testify to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The early church laid out a clear criterion: the person had to have been with Jesus from the time of John the Baptist’s baptism to the day Jesus was taken up, and he had to be a witness of the resurrection. Matthias fits this description, having been with Jesus throughout his earthly ministry and as a witness to the risen Jesus. After praying for guidance, the apostles chose him by casting lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, making him the replacement. The other candidate, Joseph Barsabbas, was considered but not chosen, and the idea that the replacement came from a specific tribe or because of missionary zeal does not align with the stated criterion.