Acts Theology 11: Participatory Sovereignty

The disciples put forward two men, Joseph and Matthias, and cast lots between them. The lot fell on Matthias, so he was numbered with the eleven apostles. This shows that while humans genuinely participate, God ultimately makes the choice.
The casting of lots was a real action taken by the disciples. The decision-making process involving human choice and divine selection indicates a dynamic relationship between the two. One instance where God foreknew outcomes but allowed choices that changed them is seen in 1 Samuel 23:10-13, where David's decision to leave Keilah prevented its inhabitants from surrendering him to Saul. Another example is found in 1 Kings 22:19-23, where God seeks counsel from heavenly beings about enticing Ahab, demonstrating that divine decrees can involve creaturely participation in their execution.
God's sovereignty does not negate human agency. The Bible illustrates that God incorporates the real actions and choices of individuals into His overarching plan. This is part of what can be called "participatory sovereignty," where free will beings, including humans and other beings, genuinely participate in accomplishing God's purposes.
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