“A major misunderstanding of the role of Scripture here. Acts is not prophesying but recording what the early church did of its own authority given to it by Jesus Christ.”
In one sense I agree with you Petrosius. Peter used a passage of Scripture that was not about Judas to justify replacing him. In another sense, I must disagree with your statement.
Were the Apostles commanded to replace him? No. Definitely not. This has given rise to much speculation over the millennia as to whether if was a bad decision by the 11 remaining Apostles. Many believe Paul, directly chosen by Christ (as was every Apostle) was the 12th replacement.
The answer is that we do not know the answer as to whether Peter and the others made a good decision... or if it was uncalled for.
It was also a time BEFORE the Holy Spirit came to indwell the Apostles and believers in Acts 2.
In this context, Acts records what they did. Peter explained why, based on the passage quoted.
Based on this understanding - and I give Peter the benefit of the doubt that he was likely thinking of Jesus’ words in Matthew:
“And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Peter knew there would be twelve thrones - one for each Apostle.
Was he right to do so? We will learn someday which “extra” Apostle is sitting on that throne and which Apostle’s name is written on the foundation in Heaven (see Revelation 21). Until then, all we know is what they did.
The interesting part of the passage is the criteria for an Apostle:
“Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us—
22 beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias.
It is important to note that not a single so-called Apostle today meets that criteria.
Still they did not want to make the decision themselves.
Not having the indwelling Spirit, they sought wisdom - not wanting to make the decision themselves with any supposed authority. They prayed and asked for guidance and then drew lots... leaving the decision to the Lord.
24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen
25 to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”
26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
Best.
I was speaking specifically of the division of the apostolic office into the three offices of bishop, presbyter and deacon, not of the selection of Matthias.