First ReadingActs 1:15-17, 20-26
From the Acts of the Apostles
15In these days, Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said,16“Brothers, it was necessarythat this Scripture should be fulfilled,which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas,who was guide to those who took Jesus.17For he was counted with us,and received his portion in this ministry. verses 18–19 are not read20For it is written in the book of Psalms,
‘Let his habitation be made desolate.Let no one dwell in it;’
and,
‘Let another take his office.’
21“Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the timethat the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,22beginning from the baptism of John to the daythat he was received up from us,of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
23They put forward two:Joseph called Barsabbas,who was also called Justus, and Matthias.24They prayed and said,“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men,show which one of these two you have chosen25to take part in this ministryand apostleship from which Judas fell away,that he might go to his own place.”26They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias;and he was counted with the eleven apostles.