Twelve Were Chosen
A Study of the Original Apostles
Matthias and Paul
Transition to the Future
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the choosing of Matthias and Paul as apostles. Of special note is how these men teach us about readiness and willingness to serve. We also look at Justus, the one not chosen for lessons in faithfulness.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Learn the characteristics of the apostles that enable us to influence others for Jesus.
- Feel: Value the apostles as role models in serving the Lord.
- Do: Apply the characteristics of the apostles in our life of faithful service to the Lord.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
Once Jesus had returned to heaven, the apostles returned to Jerusalem as instructed. As they waited for further events, Peter stands up with the other apostles and disciples and takes them through the process of selecting a replacement for Judas. In doing so, Peter references scripture regarding the need to replace Judas. Peter puts forth the requirement that the person must have been with Jesus from the baptism of John to the ascension. Matthias and Josheph (also known as Justus and Barsabbas) were selected as candidates. They prayed and cast lots to make the final selection. Matthias was selected.
We can learn from this that we must continue to seek our Lord's will in our service. We must remain faithful and ready to serve in whatever capacity our Lord needs of us. We also must understand that we serve on our Lord's time. Once again, we must be ready for the opportunity.
Note: Consider as a follow-on question if someone would share how they have had an opportunity to serve our Lord in a way in which they did not expect and how did it turn out?
He teaches us that we must have a servant heart that is ready and faithful to serve the Lord. We also learn that we all have different capacities and roles for service and that not being chosen for a role does not disqualify us as a servant. God has different roles in mind for us. We must always be ready and willing to use our gifts to serve as God needs over our desires.
We read of the conversion in Acts 9 and from Paul's statements in Acts 22. This event was a significant event that jarred him from his former life as a persecutor of Christians. He changed instead to one who championed Jesus and the gospel. Paul would spend the rest of his life as a faithful servant.
Certainly, there is a lifetime of learning from Paul beginning with learning to submit to Jesus. We learn that even Paul was subject to sin, but he teaches us directly how to remain faithful by continuing to focus on Jesus. He learned humility and teaches it to us in many of the letters he writes, either directly or by example. Further, we learn from Paul how to live as faithful citizens in God's Kingdom including putting Jesus first in our life.