“And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,”
Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know the hearts of all people. Show us which of these two you have chosen — the prayer acknowledges God's unique ability to discern hearts (kardia, the seat of will and intention), a prerogative of God in OT wisdom literature. The appeal to God's choosing (eklego, select/prefer) shows that apostolic office is not democratic but divinely determined. The prayer practice establishes that the Spirit guides through corporate intercession.
Church Fathers on Acts 1:24
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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