Saint Matthias the Apostle Plaque

Product Description

This is our stunning Saint Matthias the Apostle Plaque. Saint Matthias (died c. 80 a.d.) was selected to succeed Judas Iscariot as one of the Twelve Apostles through a casting of lots (Acts 1:15-26). His call to be an Apostle is truly unique in that he was not personally called by Jesus but selected through a “game of chance” after Jesus had ascended into Heaven and before the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This the perfect gift for the feast day of St. Matthias on his feast day (May 14th) as well as for a birthday, baptism, confirmation, and, of course, for Christmas (a wonderful “stocking stuffer”!).

A Wall Plaque in Three Sizes

This plaque comes in three sizes: small (p107k – 2 x 1.8 inches), medium (p83m – 4 x 3.5 inches), or large (p111g – 7.9 x 6.3 inches). This solid bronze plaque can be hung easily at home or in the office on any wall. This plaque – designed and realized in Germany by a world renowned bronzesmith – is the perfect gift for that special “Matthias” in your life!

Saint Matthias – “Lottery Winner”

Matthias the Apostle (in German, Matthias Apostel) is depicted on this plaque as the “lottery winner,” symbolized by the dice cube in the bottom left corner. Matthias himself did not “gamble,” but the Apostles did, by “casting lots” (=throwing the dice). This casting of the lots was not superstition nor divination nor was it simply a game of chance to win the “big prize.” Rather, the Apostles were seeking out God’s will as best they could:  they prayed, examined both candidates carefully, and then turned over the whole “selection process” to God’s providence. According to one ancient tradition, St. Matthias died of old age. According to another ancient tradition (depicted on this plaque), St. Matthias was beheaded. However he died, St. Matthias won something much greater than the Powerball or Megamillions jackpot on the day of his selection. He became one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles – something that no amount of money could ever buy or equal.

Acts 1:4-26

On one occasion, while [the Risen Jesus] was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 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. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers and sisters, 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. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

(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. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

“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,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’ 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, 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.”

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

Additional Information

Weight	0.47 lbs
Dimensions	5.5 x 4 x 1 in
Size	Small (2 x 1.8 inches), Medium (4 x 3.25 inches)