After the death of Judas, it is time to appoint another apostle. Only an eyewitness of Jesus and His resurrection can qualify. Here is an opportunity to bring a qualified woman forward. Women are the first to see and worship the risen Christ. They are believers when the men are still doubtful (Matthew 28:5-10; Luke 24:1-11). These very “women and Mary the mother of Jesus” are present for the apostolic selection process (Acts 1:14).
Peter is in charge of the meeting, as befits his “key” role (Matthew 16:19). He speaks in terms that narrow the field to males.
“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us… one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias (Acts 1:21-23).
Is Peter misled, perhaps influenced by Jewish bias? Fortunately, the group puts the matter to the Lord. They pray,
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two You have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:24-26).
This selection of Matthias is not a human choice. “You [Lord] have chosen.” Jesus chooses the original twelve (John 6:70), and Jesus now chooses the replacement. Later, Jesus chooses the special apostle to the Gentiles, Paul (Acts 9:15; Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:15; 2:7).