Acts 1:21

“Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us”

Context:The book of Acts is a historical narrative that describes the birth and growth of the early Christian church. In the first chapter, the disciples are gathered together after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit. Prior to His ascension, Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father (the Holy Spirit) and to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Explanation: In this verse, the apostle Peter is addressing the assembled group of disciples. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, had recently died, leaving a vacant apostolic position. The disciples recognized the need to replace Judas with another apostle to restore the number of twelve, which symbolically represented the twelve tribes of Israel.

Peter emphasizes the qualifications for someone to become an apostle. He states that the candidate must be chosen from among the men who had accompanied them throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, from His baptism by John the Baptist until His ascension. The apostles wanted someone who had been a firsthand witness of Jesus’ teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.

This verse highlights the importance of personal witness and firsthand experience in the apostolic ministry. The apostles believed that their successor should be someone who had intimate knowledge of Jesus’ life and teachings, as well as the events surrounding His crucifixion and resurrection.

Application:While the specific context of selecting an apostle may not apply directly to us today, there are important lessons we can draw from this verse. It underscores the significance of personal experience and relationship with Jesus in our faith and ministry.

• Seeking firsthand knowledge of Jesus:Just as the apostles desired someone who had personally walked with Jesus, we should also strive to know Him intimately. This involves reading and studying the Scriptures, spending time in prayer and meditation, and cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus.
• Being a witness of Jesus’ work:The apostles wanted an apostle who had witnessed Jesus’ ministry firsthand. Similarly, as followers of Christ, we are called to be witnesses of His work in our lives. Our transformed lives, words, and actions should testify to the reality and power of Jesus’ resurrection and the impact He has made on us.
• Authenticity and integrity in ministry:The selection process for a new apostle involved ensuring the person had walked with Jesus throughout His ministry. This highlights the importance of authenticity and integrity in ministry. As we serve God and others, it is crucial to live out our faith consistently, displaying Christ-like character and adhering to His teachings.
• Discipleship and mentoring:The fact that the apostles desired someone who had spent significant time with Jesus implies the value of discipleship and mentoring. We can learn from this by actively seeking out wise and mature believers who can help guide us in our faith journey, as well as investing in the lives of others, sharing what we have learned and experienced with them.