“And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.”
So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias — the community proposes two candidates, both otherwise unknown to history, showing that apostolic office is serious enough to require careful discernment. Barsabbas means 'son of the Sabbath,' and Justus means 'righteous one,' names suggesting the candidates' integrity. The double nomination creates tension that prayer alone can resolve.
Church Fathers on Acts 1:23
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabus, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. Acts 1:23 Not he appointed them: but it was he that introduced the proposition to that effect, at the same time pointing out that even this was not his own, but from old time by prophecy; so that he acted as expositor, not as preceptor. Joseph called Barsabus, who was surnamed Justus. Perhaps both names are given, because there were others of the same name, for among the Apostles also there…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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