One common way of drawing lots at that time was to write the name of each candidate on a stone and then put all of the stones into a container. They prayed intensely for heavenly guidance and then proceeded to utilize an ancient Jewish practice, a custom believed to reveal the authentic desire of God ― drawing lots. This group of first Christians carefully pondered the situation and suggested two names: Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas (July 20). It was during the days of waiting ― the days between Jesus’ ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit ― that Peter spoke to a group of about 120 disciples in Jerusalem, sharing his thoughts on the need to replace Judas with someone who knew Jesus well ― someone who had been an active and committed disciple all the way from the time of Jesus’ baptism until his ascension into heaven. Recalling a prophecy from the Book of Psalms, “May another take his office,” Peter felt compelled to replace the lost apostle and thereby restore the number of apostles to twelve.

The betrayal and death of Judas caused severe disappointment and hurt to the apostles, leaving an uncomfortable void. Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles. ―Acts 1:26

The trial of judas iscariot loretta