St. Mathias
Inside Paintings - South Wall
St. Mathias
1. Selection as an Apostle
Biblical Reference: Acts 1:15-26
Description: After the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, the early Christian community needed to fill the vacant position among the twelve apostles. Peter proposed that a new apostle be chosen from those who had been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry until His ascension. Two candidates were nominated: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. The community prayed for divine guidance, and they cast lots to make the decision. The lot fell to Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles.
2. Witness to Jesus’ Ministry
Biblical Reference: Acts 1:21-22
Description: Although not mentioned by name in the Gospels, Matthias was among the group of disciples who followed Jesus throughout His ministry. He witnessed Jesus’ teachings, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. This long-term discipleship and firsthand experience of Jesus’ ministry made him a suitable candidate to become an apostle, ensuring continuity and authenticity in the apostolic witness.
3. Miracle of Melting Iron prison
Historical Reference: Early Christian tradition
Description: In prison, Saint Mathias prayed and asked for the intercession of Saint Mary. She came to him on a cloud, and when she entered the city all the iron therein melted (as wax). She went to the prison, released St Mathias the apostle and all those who were imprisoned with him for the sake of the faith.
4. Miracle in the Temple of Gentiles
Description: Tradition holds that Matthias performed a miracle in a Gentile temple where he was preaching the Gospel. The priests of the temple, skeptical of Matthias’s teachings and authority, challenged him to prove his faith. Matthias prayed, and as a result, an idol in the temple fell and shattered, while the ground beneath it trembled. This miraculous event led many witnesses to abandon their pagan practices and convert to Christianity, recognizing the power of the God whom Matthias preached.
5. Martyrdom of St. Matthias
Historical Reference: Early Christian tradition
Description: St. Matthias’s dedication to spreading the Gospel ultimately led to his martyrdom. According to tradition, he was martyred for his faith, though the exact details vary. One account suggests that he was stoned to death in Jerusalem, while another tradition holds that he was beheaded in Colchis (modern-day Georgia). His martyrdom is commemorated on May 14 in the Western Christian tradition and August 9 in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. His sacrifice for the faith underscores his commitment to Jesus and his role in the early Church
6. Raising a Dead Child to Life
Description: Another miraculous event attributed to St. Matthias involves raising a dead child to life. According to tradition, during his missionary travels, he encountered a grieving family whose child had died. Moved by their sorrow and with great faith, Matthias prayed fervently over the child’s body. Through his prayers, the child was miraculously restored to life. This extraordinary miracle greatly strengthened the faith of the local community and led many to embrace Christianity, seeing the power of God manifest through Matthias.