1.3. WHEN A DECISION BETWEEN TWO WAS NEEDED

Acts 1:23 shows that there were two men - "Joseph" and "Matthias".

Like the rest of the chosen 12, they had to have been with the Lord Jesus throughout His ministry from the baptism of John, to His death and resurrection (Acts 1:21-23 ).

Interestingly Proverbs 16:33 tells us lot casting can be the decision from the Lord.

Proverbs 16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord. " (NKJV)

When the lot is used to determine a decision, the Word affirms that God, not chance, is in control. In the casting of the lot to fill the office from which Judas fell, the lot fell on Matthias. The vote of confidence was unanimous - God had directed them.

Note:

	The lot was used to discover God's will for the allocation of territory (Joshua Chapters 18 and 19 ).
	The choice of the goat to be sacrificed on the day of atonement (Leviticus 16:8 ).
	For the detection of a guilty person (Joshua 7:14; Jonah 1:7 ).
	The allocation of temple duties (1 Chronicles 24:5 ).
	For a day to carry out Haman's plot to destroy the Jews (Esther 3:7 ).
	In association with the office of High Priest, God made provision for giving guidance to His people (Deuteronomy 33:8, 10 ), but particularly to the leaders of His people (Numbers 27:21 ).
	In the New Testament soldiers allocated Christ's clothes by lot (Matthew 27:35).
	Then we have the choice of Matthias by lot (Acts 1:15-26 ).

As to the method in the appointment of Matthias: he was 'voted in by general suffrage' comments Jamieson Fauseet and Brown.

No. Paul was not with Jesus from the baptism of John to the resurrection. Though there were other New Testament apostles, none could claim to be one of the twelve.

Scripture does not preclude, in the case of dilemma in choosing officers, our resorting to casting lots so long as every Scriptural qualification is met first, and that it is done prayerfully and in dependence on God. Then we will receive His clear guidance.

No. We are to act where Scripture is clear, because the will of God is revealed. Then it is a matter of obedience, not enquiry. In the light of this, obey

Ephesians 5:17 "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (NKJV)

By obeying scripture we are doing His known will. According to the Scripture, it is clear that:

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It Is the Will of God That We Seek the Salvation of Every Person

2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (NKJV)

John 1:29 "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (NKJV)

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. " (KJV)

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It Is the Will of God That the Saved Be Holy

1 Thessalonians 4:1-4 "Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor." (NKJV)

Ephesians 1:4 "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: " (KJV)

1 Peter 1:15,16 "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. " (KJV)

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It Is the Will of God That the Saved Serve Him

Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. " (KJV)

Ephesians 5:17-18 "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit." It is His will that we suffer for and with Him." (NKJV)

1 Peter 3:17 "For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. " (KJV)

1 Peter 4:19 "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. " (KJV)

Philippians 1:29 "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. " (NKJV)

There are three characteristics of His will in Romans 12:2. It is good, acceptable and perfect.

	It is a means of guidance when more than one qualifies for a position.
	It is God, not chance, who is in control.
	It should only be resorted to when every Scripture qualification is obviously met.
	It should be done in prayer and full dependence on God.
	It is not necessary in a matter where Scripture clearly reveals God's will.