We’re off into the adventure of Acts in our 5x5x5 New Testament reading plan. Here’s a new observation on the apostles’ choosing Matthias to replace Judas.

So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1.21 – 26, ESV, emphasis mine)

We don’t spend much time on this event. Matthias is never mentioned again (nor are any of the others listed in Acts 1.13) except Peter and James. It’s not even clear that they needed to choose one more. It’s been argued that God chose Saul of Tarsus later. But no matter. What I saw here for the first time is that although Barsabbas was not chosen, in chapter 15, he’s still an active leader:

Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,… (Acts 15.22, ESV)

Just because I’m not chosen for one role or “office,” doesn’t mean I can’t serve in other ways. I don’t have to “take my ball and go home.”

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. (Psalm 75.6, 7, KJV)

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you… (1 Peter 5.5, 6, ESV)