Casting of lots new testament bible verses

In the New Testament, the concept of casting lots is mentioned several times. Here are some relevant Bible verses:

  1. Acts 1:26: "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." (NKJV)

In this verse, the apostles are trying to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus. They cast lots to determine who would take Judas' place.

  1. Acts 13:26: "Men, brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize Him or His righteous ways, He has filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit, until the day He was taken up from them. When they had appointed someone to take his place in this ministry, we the apostles chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, who were commended to the Lord and us by the Holy Spirit, and they were sent on their mission. They performed signs and wonders among the people." (NKJV)

In this passage, the apostles are describing the selection of the first deacons, including Stephen and Philip. They cast lots to determine who would take on this new ministry.

  1. Hebrews 11:34-35: "Quenched the fury of the flames, and were destitute, afflicted, tormented; (35) who wandered in deserts, in mountains, in dens and caves of the earth, and in the deserts and the mountains, and in the caves of the earth." (NKJV)

In this passage, the author of Hebrews is listing the various ways in which God's people have been tested and tried throughout history. One of the examples given is the casting of lots, which was used to determine the will of God.

  1. 1 Peter 1:17: "And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear." (NKJV)

In this verse, Peter is encouraging believers to live in fear of God, who is impartial and judges each person according to their works. The casting of lots is mentioned as an example of God's sovereignty and impartiality.

  1. Matthew 27:35: "And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: 'They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they did cast lots.'" (NKJV)

In this passage, the soldiers who crucified Jesus cast lots to divide his garments among themselves, fulfilling a prophecy from Psalm 22:18.

These verses demonstrate the use of casting lots in the New Testament, often as a way to determine the will of God or to make important decisions.