The Last Use of the Lot?

[mike]

I noticed a note in my study Bible yesterday while at church that piqued my interest. We were reading in Acts 1 about the choosing of Matthias to replace Judas among the 12 apostles.

Acts 1:15 During these days Peter stood up among the brothers[e]—the number of people who were together was about 120—and said: 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David spoke in advance about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was one of our number and was allotted a share in this ministry.” 18 Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst and burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out. 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, Field of Blood). 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

Let his dwelling become desolate;
let no one live in it; and
Let someone else take his position.

21 “Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

23 So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, know the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place.” 26 Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.

The note said that the use of the lot was considered an acceptable way to find out God's will prior to the giving of the Holy Spirit. This piqued my interest, because it implied that after the giving of the Holy Spirit, the giving of the lot was no longer necessary.


Questions:

Was this in fact the last use of the lot in the early Christian church?
If so, how did the early church select its leaders?
Does the presence of the Holy Spirit make the use of the lot unnecessary?

[barnhart]

That's the teaching I heard from evangelical sources. Anabaptists are silent on this from my experience.

This sounds like a question for scroll publishing.

[mike]

That's the teaching I heard from evangelical sources. Anabaptists are silent on this from my experience.

This sounds like a question for scroll publishing.

How does your church select its leaders?

[ohio jones]

... how did the early church select its leaders?
Does the presence of the Holy Spirit make the use of the lot unnecessary?

Several examples from the first century:

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

[Ernie]

Questions:
1. Was this in fact the last use of the lot in the early Christian church?
2. If so, how did the early church select its leaders?
3. Does the presence of the Holy Spirit make the use of the lot unnecessary?

1. Acts 1 is the only recorded instance. From what I understand, there is no other record in the ante Nicene writings and other contemporary sources. This does not mean the lot was never used in addition to this.
2. Appointment by leaders and recommendations/choosing by the church
3. Proverbs says the lot causes contentions to cease. If there are any signs of possible contention in the process of choosing leaders, (when there are 2 or more candidates, and not all candidates are needed,) I think the use of the lot has been and can continue to be beneficial in such situations.

[mike]

3. Proverbs says the lot causes contentions to cease. If there are any signs of possible contention in the process of choosing leaders, (when there are 2 or more candidates, and not all candidates are needed,) I think the use of the lot has been and can continue to be beneficial in such situations.

I agree with this.

[Ernie]

https://simonjfry.wordpress.com/the-lot/

It looks like the earliest recorded use among Mennonites may have been in the 17th century. I would like to know who started doing this and when did it become the standard method.

[Signtist]

Was this in fact the last use of the lot in the early Christian church?
If so, how did the early church select its leaders?
Does the presence of the Holy Spirit make the use of the lot unnecessary?

It is the only biblical record we have of the lot being used. However, there are other methods of choosing leadership recorded.

1 And in those days, when the number of disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

And here it seems they just picked, as leaders, the men they were led to ordain. No exact method is given.

21. And when they (Paul and Barnabas) had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22. Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God 23. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.