Let’s look at that event.  We will start by reading Acts 1:15-19, “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. 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.” 

It was in this upper room in Jerusalem (verses 12-13) that after much prayer (verse 14), Peter began to speak to all those there (about 120) about Judas.  He pointed out that the actions of Judas had been prophesied by the Holy Spirit through King David.  Peter reminds them that although Judas had been “numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry,” he was also the one who “was guide to them that took Jesus.”  Perhaps we should take a moment and be reminded that although the Lord Jesus chose Judas to be an apostle, He was not fooled at all by Judas.  The Lord said in John 6:70, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?”  He knew Judas’ heart and knew he did not believe on the Lord Jesus.  He also knew Judas would betray Him.

Acts 1:20 says, “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.”  The prophesies Peter mentioned are now pointed out.  The words are a combination of Psalm 69:25, “Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents” and Psalm 109:8, “Let his days be few; and let another take his office.”  It was only by the Spirit that Peter understood that both of these verses (although speaking of David’s enemies) referenced Judas.  Realizing the application of these verses to Judas, the apostles understood that the office of Judas was to be given to someone else. 

The qualification of the one who would take Judas’ place among the apostles are given in verses 21-22, “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.”  The replacement had to be one who had travelled with the Lord and His disciples since the Lord was baptized by John the Baptist.  He must also be able to bear witness of the resurrection of the Lord.  The apostles chose two men, “Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.” (Verse 23).

In verse 24-25, we learn that the apostles prayed, asking the Lord to show them which one was to take Judas’ place.  We read in verse 26, “And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

“The lot fell upon Matthias.”  This was a familiar way that men had used in the past to discern the mind of God.  (1 Chronicles 24:5-7; Luke 1:9).  We also find this being used in Proverbs 16:33, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.”

Looking back at what we have had before us, we can see the apostles discerned the truth and were moved by the prophesies of the scriptures dealing with Judas.  We see that were in constant prayer.  They concluded which qualifications were necessary to carry on, and they cast lots to determine the Lord’s will between these two men…and Matthias was chosen. 

This all shows clearly that the Lord led these men, and they were in God’s will in choosing Matthias.  Some teach that Paul was supposed to be the one to take Judas’ place, but Paul, himself, never said that.  He referred to himself as an “one born out of due time.” (1 Corinthians 15:8). 

In that same verse, Paul referred to himself as being the last apostle.  There are no apostles today.  The Bible does not teach Apostolic Succession.  To read more about this topic, please click on this Answers From the Book link: https://answersfromthebook.net/do-we-still-have-apostles-today/  (CC)  (514.2)