Matthias the Apostle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintMatthias the Apostle |
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St Matthias by Peter Paul Rubens, c. 1611
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| Apostle and Martyr | |
| Born | 1st century AD Judaea, Roman Empire |
| Died | c. AD 80 Jerusalem, Judaea or Colchis |
| Venerated in | |
| Canonized | Pre-congregation |
| Feast |
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| Attributes | Axe, Christian martyrdom |
| Patronage | Carpenters; tailors; Great Falls-Billings, Montana; Trier; smallpox; hope; perseverance |
Matthias (died around AD 80) was an important figure in early Christianity. He was chosen to become one of the Twelve Apostles after Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and died. Matthias's selection was special because Jesus had already gone up to heaven (this is called the Ascension). Also, he was chosen before the Holy Spirit came to the early Church.
Contents
Becoming an Apostle
The Bible does not mention Matthias in the stories of Jesus's life. But the book of Acts says he was with Jesus from the time he was baptized by John. Matthias stayed with Jesus until Jesus went up to heaven.
After Jesus's ascension, Peter suggested that the followers choose someone new. There were about 120 disciples gathered together. They needed to pick two men to replace Judas. They chose two men: Joseph called Barsabas and Matthias.
Then, they prayed to God. They asked God to show them which of the two men He had chosen. They wanted to know who should take Judas's place as an apostle. After praying, they cast lots. This was a way of making a decision by chance, believing God would guide the outcome. The lot fell to Matthias. This meant Matthias was chosen. So, he became one of the twelve apostles.
The Bible does not give us any more details about Matthias's life after this.
Where Matthias Preached
Different traditions tell us about where Saint Matthias traveled to spread the Christian faith.
Some stories say that Matthias preached in a region called Cappadocia. This area was near the Caspian Sea. He is believed to have spent most of his time near a port called Issus.
Another tradition says that Matthias first preached in Judaea. Then, he went to a place called Aethiopia. This region is now part of modern-day Georgia. Some accounts say he was crucified there. There is even a marker at the ruins of a Roman fortress in Gonio, Georgia. It claims that Matthias is buried at that spot.
Other ancient writings suggest that Matthias preached to people in the inner parts of Ethiopia. These people were sometimes called "meat-eaters" or "barbarians." One story says he died in a city called Sebastopolis. He was supposedly buried near a "Temple of the Sun" there. However, another early Christian writer, Hippolytus of Rome, believed Matthias died of old age in Jerusalem.
Writings Attributed to Matthias
There were some ancient writings known as the "Gospels of Matthias." These writings were said to be by Matthias. However, early Christian leaders did not accept them. They believed these writings were not true or were misleading. These texts are now lost, and we only have small pieces of them.
Honoring Saint Matthias
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Saint Matthias is honored by many Christian churches. His feast day is a special day to remember him.
In the Roman Catholic Church, his feast day was moved to May 14. This was done so it would be celebrated during Eastertide. This time is closer to when Jesus ascended into heaven. This is the event that led to Matthias being chosen. Before this change, his feast day was on February 24 (or February 25 in leap years).
The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates his feast day on August 9. However, some Western Orthodox churches still use the older Roman date of February 24 or 25.
Many Anglican and Lutheran churches also celebrate Matthias. Some still observe his feast on February 24. Others, like the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, celebrate it on May 14.
It is believed that the remains of Saint Matthias were brought to Italy. This was done by Empress Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine I. Parts of his relics are said to be in the Abbey of Santa Giustina in Padua, Italy. Other parts are believed to be in the Abbey of St. Matthias in Trier, Germany. As mentioned earlier, Greek sources claim his remains are buried in Gonio-Apsaros castle in Georgia.
See also
- Acta Andreae et Matthiae apud Anthropophagos
