Estudo de Atos 1:23 – Comentado e Explicado

Propuseram dois: José, chamado Barsabás, que tinha por sobrenome Justo, e Matias.
Atos 1:23

Comentário de Albert Barnes

And they appointed two – They proposed, or, as we should say, nominated two. Literally, they placed two, or made them to stand forth, as persons do who are candidates for office. These two were probably-more distinguished by prudence, wisdom, piety, and age than the others, and they were so nearly equal in qualifications that they could not determine which was the best suited for the office.

Joseph called Barsabas … – It is not certainly known what the name Barsabas denotes. The Syriac word “Bar” means “son,” and the word “Sabas” has been translated “an oath, rest, quiet, or captivity.” Why the name was given to Joseph is not known but probably it was the family name – Joseph son of Sabas. Some have conjectured that this was the same man who, in Acts 4:36 , is called Barnabas. But of this there is no proof. Lightfoot supposes that he was the son of Alpheus and brother of James the Less, and that he was chosen on account of his relationship to the family of the Lord Jesus.

Was surnamed Justus – Who was called Justus. This is a Latin name, meaning just, and was probably given him on account of his distinguished integrity. It was not uncommon among the Jews for a man to have several names, Matthew 10:3 .

And Matthias – Nothing is known of the family of this man, or of his character, further than that he was numbered with the apostles, and shared their lot in the toils, the persecutions, and the honors of preaching the gospel to mankind.

Comentário de E.W. Bullinger

nomeado = apresentado ou nomeado.

Barsabas. Os textos diziam Barsabás. App-94.:11. Compare Atos 15:22 .

Comentário de John Calvin

23. They were to choose one only into the room of Judas; they present two. Here may a question be asked, Why they were not contented with one only? Was it because they were so like, that they could not discern whether was more fit? This truly had been no sufficient reason why they should suffer it to be decided by lots. And also it seemeth that Joseph was of greater estimation otherwise; or was it because they were diversely affectioned? But this seemeth scarce probable, neither is this to be admitted as true, because of that most excellent testimony which Luke did give a little before of their unity and agreement. Lastly, It had been very absurd for them to have polluted the election of the apostle with such strife and contention. (70) But for this cause did they use the casting of lots, that it might be known that Matthias was not only chosen by the voices of men, but also that he was made by the determination and judgment of God.

For there was this difference between the apostles and the pastors, that the pastors were chosen simply by the Church, the apostles were called of God. In which respect Paul, in the preface of his Epistle to the Galatians, ( Galatians 1:2 ,) doth profess himself to be an apostle, “neither of men, neither made by man.” Therefore, like as the dignity of this function was excellent, so was it meet that in the choosing of Matthias, the chief judgment should be left unto God, howsoever men did their duty. Christ by his own mouth did appoint the rest; therefore, if Matthias had been chosen only by man to be one of them, he should have had less authority than they. This was very orderly done, (71) that the disciples should present unto God those whom they thought to be the best; and he should choose to himself whom he knew to be most fit, so that God, by the fall of the lot, doth pronounce that he did allow of the apostleship of Matthias. But the apostles might seem to have dealt very rashly and disorderly, which laid so great and weighty a matter upon a lot; for what certainty could they gather thereby? I answer, that they did it only as they were moved thereunto by the Holy Spirit; for although Luke doth not express this, yet, because he will not accuse the disciples of rashness, but rather doth show that this election was lawful and approved of God; I say, therefore, that they went this way to work, being moved by the Spirit, like as they were directed in all the action by the same Spirit. But why do they not pray that God would choose whom he would out of the whole multitude? Why do they restrain his judgment unto two? Is not this to rob God of his liberty, when as they tie him, and, as it were, make him subject unto their voices and consents? (72) But whosoever shall quietly ponder the matter shall plainly perceive, by the drift of Luke, that the disciples durst do nothing but that which they knew was their duty to do, and was commanded them by the Lord. As for the contentious, let them go shake their ears. (73)

Comentário de Adam Clarke

Eles designaram dois – Esses dois provavelmente eram do número dos setenta discípulos; e, a esse respeito, bem equipado para preencher o local. É provável que os próprios discípulos estivessem divididos em opinião sobre qual desses dois era a pessoa mais apropriada e, portanto, colocaram o assunto diante de Deus, para que ele pudesse decidir por sorteio. Não foram apresentados mais de dois candidatos; provavelmente porque a atenção dos irmãos havia sido atraída apenas para os dois, como tendo um conhecimento mais íntimo de nosso Senhor ou por estar melhor qualificado para o trabalho do que qualquer outro; mas eles não sabiam qual preferir.

Joseph chamou Barsabas – Alguns MSS. leia Joses Barnabas, fazendo-o o mesmo com Joses Barnabas, Atos 4:36 . Mas a pessoa aqui se distingue da pessoa lá, sendo chamada Justus.

Comentário de Thomas Coke

Atos 1:23 . Joseph chamou Barsabas, etc. – Que este Joseph era uma pessoa diferente de Joses, de sobrenome Barnabé, mencionado no cap. Atos 4:36 parecerá mais do que provável, quando se considerar, primeiro, que o caráter de Barnabé é dado, cap. 4: como se ele não tivesse sido mencionado antes: em segundo lugar, esse José tinha o sobrenome Justus; mas em nenhum lugar descobrimos que Barnabas tinha esse nome,

Comentário de John Wesley

E eles nomearam dois, Joseph chamou Barsabas, que tinha o sobrenome Justus e Matthias.

E eles nomearam dois – Até agora, os fiéis podiam consultar juntos, mas não mais. Portanto, aqui começou o uso adequado do lote, pelo qual uma questão de importância, que não pode ser determinada por nenhum método comum, é comprometida com a decisão divina.