So they cast lots between them [Joseph and Matthias, who were both qualified], and the lot fell on Matthias. He was then counted as one of the apostles, together with the [other] eleven.
[Casting lots was a common way of determining God's will in the Old Testament (; ; ; ) and temple service was determined in this way (). The Roman soldiers cast lots (). Here, they prayed () and relied on God's guidance (). After Pentecost, there are no examples of leaders being appointed by casting lots in the church; it is neither encouraged nor condemned.]
