Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I write to you today as Matthias, once a witness to the ministry of our Lord Jesus, now called by the Holy Spirit to serve as one of His apostles. My journey to this role has been one of profound transformation and deep reflection on the grace of God, which has encompassed my life. After the ascension of our Savior and the sorrowful departure of Judas, I was chosen to continue the work laid down by the original twelve. It is with a humble heart that I share my experiences and the lessons I've learned from walking closely with Jesus.
You may know of my story from the Book of Acts, where the remaining eleven apostles sought guidance from the Holy Spirit and cast lots to fill the place left vacant by Judas. Being chosen to serve in this capacity was not just an honor; it was a profound responsibility that I accepted with both trepidation and determination. I had been a follower of Jesus during His earthly ministry, observing from a slight distance, yet deeply moved and transformed by His teachings and miracles.
Witnessing Jesus' life firsthand was to see love in action. His compassion for the outcast, His mercy towards sinners, and His gentleness with the brokenhearted have left indelible marks on my soul. His crucifixion was a piercing sorrow for us all, and His resurrection a triumphant affirmation of all He taught and promised. The empty tomb was not merely an event of spiritual significance; it was, and is, a clarion call to all His followers that death is conquered, hope is eternal, and love is the greatest power there is.
In the wake of the resurrection, we were not left leaderless. The Holy Spirit came upon us at Pentecost, empowering and emboldening us to proclaim the good news. Each day brings its challenges, but also its victories. My role as an apostle has led me to places I never imagined, speaking to people from all walks of life, each encounter a testament to the far-reaching grace of God.
I have learned, sometimes through trials and often through joys, that to love God is to obey His commandments, and these are not burdensome. To love others is to see them through the eyes of Christ, with compassion and a fervent desire for their salvation. To lead others to Jesus is to walk in humility and integrity, bearing witness not only with words but through actions that reflect the heart of our Savior.
Each of us is called to a unique path in this life, yet our ultimate goal is the same: to follow Jesus and make disciples. Whether you are called to preach to multitudes or to show kindness to your neighbor, your service is significant. The Kingdom of God is built on acts of faith both great and small, and every faithful act is known to Him.
Let us not grow weary in doing good, for we shall reap a harvest if we do not give up. The road may be fraught with difficulties, but our companions along the way are fellow believers, each bearing their own torch of faith. Together, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, we continue the work begun by Jesus, carried forward in His name.
As we look to the future, let us remember the past—not with a longing for days gone by but as a foundation upon which we build. We are the spiritual descendants of the first followers of Christ, entrusted with the same gospel, empowered by the same Spirit, and called to the same glorious hope.
May you be encouraged by my words and strengthened in your faith. Stand firm in the Lord, beloved, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Let your love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.
In closing, I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
With all sincerity and love in Christ,
Matthias, servant of the risen Lord
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