Acts 1:15-26

Matthias for President

Not many people remember Warren G. Harding. He was the 29th President of the USA and his figure graces the 29 cent stamp. He was the compromise GOP candidate in 1920 and died in office on August 2, 1923. His administration was riddled by scandal which ultimately sent one of his cabinet members, as well as several appointees to prison for bribery and defrauding the federal government. He was best known for his poker games in the White House accompanied by plenty of liquor even though his term coincided with the Eighteenth Amendment - Prohibition. He is generally considered one of the very worst Presidents and one national publication referred to the events of August 2, 19823 as President Harding’s “timely” passing. History has been kind to Warren G. Harding because it has almost forgotten him.

What does this have to do with Matthias? Not much probably. For all I know Matthias was a splendid apostle who won many to Christ and died a martyr. According to tradition he either: was indeed martyred preaching the gospel in present day Georgia (of the former USSR); or, died a natural death preaching in the interior of Ethiopia; or, died of old age in Jerusalem. The Bible gives us no clue for he is never mentioned again outside the passage before us.

Some people think that Peter was a bit hasty here in declaring that they needed someone to take Judas’ place. In hindsight it seems pretty clear that if anyone did in fact that the twelfth apostle’s spot it was likely Saul of Tarsus whose name was later changed to Paul.

This is not meant to be a reflection on Matthias, nor one on Peter. The only point I want to make is that we look at positions and tend to think that they are so important. When God says they are important and He selects those who fill them they are vastly important. When it is simply our idea that such and such an office must be filled, and that it must be filled now, that’s not always a fruitful thing. Warren G. Harding made a much better Senator than he did President. And Matthias? Only God knows.