Twelve Disciples, 12th Man

Acts 1:12-26

New International Version (NIV)

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk[a] from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters,[b] the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted;

    let there be no one to dwell in it,’[c]

and,

“‘May another take his place of leadership.’[d]

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

I've been seeing number 12 where ever I go these days, especially this weekend before the Superbowl.  Texas Aggies want, perhaps rightfully, legal claim to the term 12th man while Seahawks fans simply claim it.  I can think of an even earlier claim, the 12 disciples of Jesus.  Then there was Matthais quite literally the 12th man, stepping up after the loss of Judas.  Even though he was alluded to in the Old Testament prophesy, the passage in Acts is His only mention in the New Testament. Still he was there for Pentecost, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, so much more thrilling and significant than any football game.

  

Today, Blue Friday in Seahawks land, blue and neon green was de riqueur in dress, and I happily wore it too.  I was even permitted to wear it, something that I can't say about wearing symbols of my Christian faith.  In these days of tolerance for all beliefs except those who believe in One truth, it's easier to stand up for a football team than it is for Jesus Christ.  

I want to first give a shout out to Matthias, the disciple about whom I know so little.  Now I'll say goodnight by using the common tongue 12th man tongue, a "Peace be with you" from the disciples, "Howdy!" from the Texas Aggies and from the Seattle Seahawks,  "Go Hawks!"