The Disciples: Matthais, the 13th Disciple

Judas Iscariot has betrayed Jesus, who has been crucified and risen from the grave.  Judas was remorseful for his actions and killed himself.

Jesus has ascended to heaven and the disciples gather in the upper room waiting for the Holy Spirit to descend.

Here were are introduced to two followers of Jesus, who have been following him since his baptism from John.  However, neither man is mentioned in the gospel accounts.

Peter tells us, “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us.  Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.” {Acts 1:21-22}

Jesus had additional followers to the twelve disciples, including women who followed him.  However, many of their names are not given to us in scripture. Now we know the names of two of these men who are put forth, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthais. {Acts 1:23}

The disciples pray, seeking the Lord on which man should take Judas place. {Acts 1:23-25}

“And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthais; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”  {Acts 1:26}

This is the only mention of Matthais in scripture.

The name Matthais is Hebrew, meaning gift from God.

Matthais is believed to have preached in Judea, Syria, Cappadocia, along the coasts of the Caspian Sea and near ports.

As with many post Biblical accounts on the disciples, the accounts vary about what happened.  However, it seems he died as a martyr either being stoned to death or burned to death around 80 AD.

Legend continues that Constantine I mother, Empress Helena, brought his remains to Italy.  Various churches claim to have his remains, including Greek sources claiming they are at the castle in Gonio-Apsaros, Georgia.

Matthais is the patron saint of alcoholics, carpenters, tailors, hope and perseverance.