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Acts 1:26

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

So they cast lots to decide, and Matthias got chosen. Just like that, he became the twelfth apostle, filling out the crew again.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Sometimes God's plan unfolds through what looks like chance, but it's really his choice.

📚 Historical Context

In the early days of the Christian church, shortly after Jesus' ascension, the apostles were gathered in Jerusalem to reorganize their group. They needed to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and died, in order to fulfill a prophecy that required twelve apostles to lead the emerging church. Casting lots was a common ancient practice in Jewish culture, used to seek divine guidance much like flipping a coin or drawing straws today, and it resulted in Matthias being chosen.

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