They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 26. And he gave them lots, which they might lawfully do, when they knew that both of them were fit, and every way qualified for the office. Witham.—Lots. This method of deciding the election of ministers by lots, is one of those extraordinary methods which was inspired by God; but can seldom or ever be imitated. Where both candidates appeared equally worthy, as in the present case, and human judgment cannot determine which is to be preferred, it cannot be said that it was wrong to decide it by lots. Thus were avoided any of the evil consequences which might have happened by one party being preferred before the other. S. Augustin observes, that in a doubtful case, where neither part is bad, to decide by lots is not in itself wrong. Sors enim non aliquid mali est, sed res est in dubitatione humana divinam indicans voluntatem. In Psalm 30. A.