Matthias the Apostle

Who was Matthias the Apostle?

Why this Father matters to Catholic apologetics: Elected by lot to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26) — demonstrating the apostolic principle that the Twelve must remain twelve

Born

c. 5 BC · Judaea

Died

c. AD 80 · Colchis or Jerusalem (martyrdom)

See / Role

One of the Twelve Apostles

Elected by lot to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26) — demonstrating the apostolic principle that the Twelve must remain twelve.

Where Matthias the Apostle stands in the chain

Ordination chain from Christ to this Father — and onward to students. Solid links cite named primary sources. Unknown means no ordainer is historically attested. Nodes with a profile are linked.

Matthias the Apostle received authority directly from Christ — not through a chain of human ordination. The Apostles are the foundation of the chain, not a link within it. Every bishop in the unbroken succession traces their authority back through the Fathers to the Apostles, and through the Apostles to Christ himself.

Who was Matthias the Apostle?

Where Matthias the Apostle stands in the chain

History has always been on her side.