John Calvin Commentary Acts 1:23

"And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias." — Acts 1:23 (ASV)

They were to choose only one in Judas's place; they presented two. Here a question may be asked: Why were they not content with only one? Was it because they were so alike that they could not discern which one was more fit? This truly would have been no sufficient reason why they should allow it to be decided by lots.

It also seems that Joseph was otherwise held in greater esteem; or was it because they were differently inclined? But this seems scarcely probable, nor is this to be accepted as true, because of that most excellent testimony Luke gave a little earlier concerning their unity and agreement.

Lastly, it would have been very absurd for them to have polluted the apostle's election with such strife and contention. But for this reason they used the casting of lots, so that it might be known that Matthias was not only chosen by the votes of men but also appointed by the determination and judgment of God.

For there was this difference between the apostles and pastors: pastors were chosen simply by the Church, but apostles were called by God. In this respect Paul, in the preface of his Epistle to the Galatians (Galatians 1:2), professes himself to be an apostle, neither of men, neither made by man. Therefore, just as the dignity of this office was excellent, so it was fitting that in the choosing of Matthias, the chief judgment should be left to God, however men did their duty.

Christ appointed the rest by His own mouth; therefore, if Matthias had been chosen only by man to be one of them, he would have had less authority than they. It was very orderly done that the disciples should present to God those whom they thought to be the best, and He should choose for Himself whom He knew to be most fit, so that God, by the fall of the lot, pronounced that He approved Matthias's apostleship.

But the apostles might seem to have acted very rashly and disorderly in laying so great and weighty a matter upon a lot; for what certainty could they gather from it?

I answer that they did it only as they were moved to do so by the Holy Spirit. For although Luke does not state this explicitly, yet, because he does not accuse the disciples of rashness, but rather shows that this election was lawful and approved by God, I say, therefore, that they proceeded in this way, being moved by the Spirit, just as they were directed in the entire action by the same Spirit.

But why did they not pray that God would choose whom He wished from the whole multitude? Why did they restrain His judgment to two? Is this not robbing God of His liberty, when they bind Him and, as it were, make Him subject to their choices and approval?

But whoever quietly ponders the matter will plainly perceive, from the direction of Luke's narrative, that the disciples dared to do nothing but what they knew was their duty and what was commanded them by the Lord. As for the contentious, let them go and make a fuss.