[21] Wherefore of these men who have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us, [22] Beginning from the baptism of John, until the day wherein he was taken up from us, one of these must be made a witness with us of his resurrection. [23] And they appointed two, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. [24] And praying, they said: Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, [25] To take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas hath by transgression fallen, that he might go to his own place.

[26] And they gave them lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

(from Acts of the Apostles Chapter 1)


1. Joseph was the name of Jesus' foster-father
2. Joseph was one of the children -- the second-youngest, and the FAVORITE of Jacob -- of the 12 children of Israel. Remember, the Apostles represent the 12 Tribes of Israel.
3. His last name was "the just" -- basically "the holy".
4. God chose Matthias instead. A lot of people would have lost bets that day, if there had been a betting pool.

Interesting. Once again, God's ways are not man's ways, and God always surprises us.

David vs. Goliath was an upset as well. We are used to it, in hindsight, since we have all read our Bibles and know the story so well. But at the time, NO ONE saw that coming. Not the good guys, not the bad guys.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Benjamin was the last and youngest son of Israel.

Also, which scripture passage was the above quoted?

You're right -- he was the 2nd youngest. I blame my mistake on the fact that Joseph was the "favorite", conceived in Jacob's old age, given a cloak of diverse colors, and really made his father cry when he was apparently lost. I suppose Benjamin was the 2nd favorite?

Both Joseph and Benjamin were sons of the wife he originally wanted, too (Rachel).

Still, Joseph stood out from the other 11 sons of Jacob in many ways. Being the favorite son, being the son who saved the other 11, etc. Just like the replacement Apostle stood out from the other 11 (being the only one to be chosen after Our Lord's Ascension).

I corrected myself, above. Thanks for the correction.