Acts 1:15-26 :

In these days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said, “Brothers, it was necessary that 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. For he was numbered with us, and received his portion in this ministry. Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness, and falling headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines gushed out. It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘The field of blood.’ For it is written in the book of Psalms,

‘Let his habitation be made desolate.
Let no one dwell therein;’
and,

‘Let another take his office.’
“Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. They prayed, and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.” They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

I have changed by view on this passage. I recently thought that Peter and the rest of the apostles made a mistake here by choosing a new apostle before the Holy Spirit came upon them. I think I was wrong. I believe that God honored the apostles choice. Although we rarely need to “cast lots” or flip coins to make decisions today, I don’t think that there is anything wrong with it as some have said. God does say that He is the one who makes the choice when it is left up to Him, and tossing a coin is one way to do that.

I have every reason to believe that God recognized Matthias as Judas’ replacement, even though the Bible doesn’t record what he did after that. The Bible doesn’t record much about most of the apostles did, so I don’t think that this is a good enough argument to say that Peter did something wrong here. We also know that Jesus had already breathed on them and gave the Holy Spirit. Even though the special power hadn’t come yet, the apostles did have the Holy Spirit. When God first breathed on mankind, he became a living soul. When Jesus breathed on the disciples, they received the Holy Spirit.

I think that it is important that I try to not add my own interpretation to the Bible, but instead, take it as it is. It is a much better idea for me to consider what it says and change my mind, than to assume I see something that is not clearly stated.