Reading: Acts 1.12-26 NLT
Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.
Here are the names of those who were present: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James). They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”
(Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)
By Duccio, 1308-1311
Museo dell Opera del Duomo, Florence
Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’
“So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus — from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”
So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.
Prayer: Lord Jesus – Give me the decision-making wisdom of the Apostles… to search the Scriptures for guidance… to come up with Godly alternatives… to pray for your will to be done… and to trust the you for the outcome. To God be the glory. Amen.
Hymn: “Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim” – Charles Wesley (1744)
The Peanut Gallery 
I just taught on this in our Acts Bible study. One of my students asked if I thought the apostles jumped the gun and should have waited for Paul. What do you think?
I think it is what it is. Second-guessing the Holy Spirit and the apostles is not a good road to start down.
This happened before the Holy Spirit descended on them. They may have acted prematurely. I think Jesus told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait?
Yet, the requirement of the 12th Apostle must be as Peter said, one who observed Jesus during his whole ministry on earth. Paul doesn’t fit. Matthias does. (Although Jesus appeared to Paul as the risen Messiach. OK, this is my answer now. Peter did God’s will by bringing the vote in which Matthias became the 12th Apostle.