Replies

Do you believe they "cast lots" in the gambling sense? ie. It was pure chance that Matthias was chosen? This concept would be interesting if it also applied to the method of choosing the next Pope.

I don't think they placed bets, but Acts is pretty clear that after they nominated two Joseph and Matthias, they prayed and they cast their lots and the lot fell on Matthias.

I think it is very interesting to look at this election method and compare it to modern methods. We Anglicans elect our bishops. While the exact method varies from one diocese to another, it boils down to majority rules. I don't know whether that's the best way to do it. I suppose in a strict sense it's not the biblical way, but I see it as an administrative issue rather than a docrinal one.

I don't think they placed bets, but Acts is pretty clear that after they nominated two Joseph and Matthias, they prayed and they cast their lots and the lot fell on Matthias.

I think it is very interesting to look at this election method and compare it to modern methods. We Anglicans elect our bishops. While the exact method varies from one diocese to another, it boils down to majority rules. I don't know whether that's the best way to do it. I suppose in a strict sense it's not the biblical way, but I see it as an administrative issue rather than a docrinal one.

I believe the "cast lots" referenced in Acts 1:25-27 are "votes" while the "cast lots" in Luke 23:25 and John 19:23-25 are more akin to gambling. I believe the "votes" used in the election of your Bishops are exactly the same as the "cast lots" in Acts 1:25-27.